Mood disorders include depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. These types of psychiatric disorders affect a person’s emotions and may cause severe lows, called depression, and highs, called mania or hypomania.

Mood disorders can severely affect a person’s well-being and quality of life. Having a mood disorder can also increase a person’s risk of suicide.

Treatment, including medications and therapy, may help individuals with mood disorders manage their conditions and improve their symptoms.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

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The two main groups of mood disorders are depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. There are several subtypes within each group.

Depressive disorders

Depression is a common mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of joy, among other symptoms. The disorder is severe and can be disabling.

Types of depression include:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD): Someone with MDD has persistent symptoms of depression, such as a loss of interest and a depressed mood, for at least 2 weeks.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): PDD causes less severe symptoms than MDD, usually for at least 2 years.
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): DMDD occurs in children and adolescents. Doctors typically diagnose the disorder in those ages 6 to 10 years. DMDD causes frequent temper outbursts, persistent anger, and irritability.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD involves depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often during the colder months. Symptoms typically last 4 to 5 months each year.
  • Substance- or medication-induced depression: This type of depression occurs during or soon after a person uses a substance or medication or during withdrawal.
  • Depression due to another medical condition: A person may experience depressive symptoms if a medical condition disrupts their abilities, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): PMDD is similar to premenstrual syndrome but is more severe. People with PMDD may experience severe depressive symptoms, anxiety, and irritability 1 to 2 weeks before their period begins.
  • Perinatal depression: Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or after a person gives birth. Depression that starts during pregnancy is prenatal depression. Depression that occurs after birth is postpartum depression.
  • Depression with symptoms of psychosis: Depression with symptoms of psychosis is a severe condition in which a person experiences psychosis symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions.

Bipolar disorders

Bipolar disorders cause changes in a person’s mood, concentration, and their levels of energy and activity. Someone with the disorder may experience high moods, or mania, and depressed, low moods.

There are three types of bipolar disorder:

  • Bipolar I disorder: In bipolar I, or type 1 bipolar disorder, manic episodes occur almost every day for at least 7 days and persist for most of the day. Depressive episodes may also occur and usually last at least 2 weeks.
  • Bipolar II disorder: Someone with bipolar II typically experiences a pattern of depression and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes in type 1 bipolar disorder.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: A person with cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, experiences recurring depressive and hypomanic symptoms. However, the symptoms are not severe or long lasting enough to qualify as depressive and hypomanic episodes.

People may also experience symptoms of bipolar disorder outside of these three types. Doctors may refer to this as other specified or unspecified bipolar and related disorders.

Symptoms may depend on the type of mood disorder someone experiences.

Depressive disorder symptoms

Symptoms of depressive disorders may include:

  • a persistent sad, empty, or anxious mood
  • loss of interest and pleasure in activities
  • feelings of hopelessness
  • feelings of worthlessness and guilt
  • fatigue
  • irritability and restlessness
  • problems with concentration and memory
  • unplanned weight changes
  • sleeping too much or not enough
  • physical symptoms, such as headaches, cramps, and digestive issues
  • thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide

Bipolar disorder symptoms

Symptoms of bipolar disorders include those of manic and depressive episodes. A person with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or mixed episodes.

Symptoms of a manic episode include:

  • feeling elated and high or very irritable
  • feeling more energetic, wired, or active than usual
  • an excessive appetite for pleasurable activities, such as drinking, eating, and sex
  • having less need for sleep
  • feeling unusually powerful or talented
  • racing thoughts

Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

  • feeling sad, low, or anxious
  • feeling restless or slow
  • a lack of interest in activities
  • sleep difficulties
  • feeling hopeless or worthless
  • cognitive difficulties

The areas of the brain that control emotions are the orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala. In people with mood disorders, these areas may be enlarged, which could affect the way the brain functions.

Researchers do not know the exact causes of mood disorders, but the following factors may increase a person’s risk:

Medical conditions

Medical conditions that affect the production or functioning of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine may lead to mood disorders.

These include:

Genetic factors

Research suggests people with a family history of mood disorders are at greater risk of developing them. Family members may pass down certain genes, which could lead to the disorders.

Psychosocial factors

People who experience traumatic events, stressful life events, and childhood abuse may have a higher risk of developing mood disorders, especially depression.

Substance and medication use

People who use certain substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, may have an increased risk of mood disorder symptoms.

Certain prescription medications may also increase a person’s risk, including:

A healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and various medical tests to rule out other possible causes. They may conduct a mental health evaluation or refer someone to a mental health professional for diagnosis.

A mental health professional may diagnose someone based on the following factors:

  • symptoms
  • family history
  • mental health history and status
  • experiences
  • substance use

Mood disorders vs. mood shifts

Everyone experiences mood changes at some point. Sudden shifts in mood may be a symptom of several health conditions besides mood disorders, including:

In mood disorders, people may find it difficult or impossible to regulate these changes. A shift in mood may be severe, persistent, or intensify into a depressive or manic episode.

Treatment for mood disorders can involve:

Early diagnosis and treatment of a mood disorder can improve a person’s outcome.

Anyone with symptoms of a mood disorder can contact a doctor or mental health professional to discuss a diagnosis.

If symptoms affect a person’s daily life or emotional well-being, contribute to substance misuse, or cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide, a person should seek treatment.

Mood disorders include several types of depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. These disorders affect a person’s emotions, which can change how they think, feel, and behave.

Depressive and manic symptoms can severely disrupt a person’s well-being, quality of life, and daily living and may be disabling.

Treatment with medication and psychotherapy may improve a person’s symptoms and help them manage their disorder in the long run.