Every teen experiences fluctuating periods of sadness, moodiness, and joy. A mood disorder is more than typical mood fluctuations. People with this type of psychological condition deal with severe mood shifts that cause significant distress in their lives. They experience periods of depression, high energy, or irritability combined with other symptoms that can interfere with a person’s daily life and ability to function. At Beyond Healthcare, we want you to know that there is hope. Many people struggle with mental health concerns; with the right treatment, they will not take over your life. Reach out to us online or give us a call at 833.698.0453 to learn more about our remarkable programs.
If you are concerned that your adolescent might be struggling with a mood disorder, the best way to be sure is to get an assessment. Addressing these issues during adolescence can help prevent social and occupational difficulties in the future. At Beyond Healthcare, our clinicians have the experience to help families understand and heal. Mood disorders can affect teens of every race and socioeconomic status. For this reason, Beyond Healthcare proudly accepts Medicaid along with private insurance. Reach out to us online or give us a call at 833.698.0453 to learn more about our remarkable programs.
What Is a Mood Disorder?
The criteria for a mood disorder requires one or both of the following symptoms occurring most of the day:
- Depressed mood
- Diminished interest or enjoyment related to all or almost all activities
The above will occur in combination with at least four of the following symptoms:
- Significant changes in weight or appetite
- Sleeping too much or inability to sleep
- Psychomotor agitation or sluggishness.
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Reduced ability to concentrate on tasks
- Manic episodes
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
- Attempting suicide
The symptoms of a mood disorder should not be confused with the physiological effects of substance use or with a general medical condition. That said, whatever the cause of the individual’s symptoms, it is imperative that they are assessed by a professional.
In addition to treating mood disorder, at Beyond Healthcare, we offer the following therapy programs for adolescents and teens with other types of mental health concerns:
Common Mood Disorders
Mood disorders (sometimes called “affective disorders”) can affect both adolescents and teens. While teens who struggle with these conditions may experience intense hopelessness, they are relatively common and absolutely treatable in the right environment. These are a few common mood disorders in teens:
- Major depressive disorder: An individual with this type of psychological disorder has a depressed or generally irritable mood, along with other common signs, for at least two weeks. They will likely lose interest or pleasure in activities that they previously enjoyed.
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): An individual struggling with persistent depressive disorder has a long-lasting, low-grade, depressed, or irritable mood for at least a year.
- Bipolar disorder: This type of mood disorder causes a mix of manic episodes with periods of depression. They may exhibit flat or dulled emotional responses at times.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: A person with this type of mood disorder often lashes out in anger and has difficulty controlling their behavior.
- Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder: This type of disorder causes depression, crabbiness, pain, and tension in females in the week or two leading up to their menstrual period.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with any of the above symptoms, it is important to reach out for professional help.
Mood Disorders and Teens
Mood disorders like bipolar disorder often appear during adolescence. Approximately half of all bipolar patients report symptoms that started in their teenage years. Longitudinal studies show that people diagnosed with a mood disorder before adulthood may experience more difficulty than those with adult-onset forms of the condition. If your teen experiences moods that fluctuate drastically, often thinks of or talks about suicide, or is experiencing profound social and academic difficulties, a healthcare professional may be able to help you address them in a therapeutic setting.
Reach Out to Beyond Healthcare Today
Contact Beyond Healthcare online or by calling 833.698.0453 or reach out to us online to learn more about our remarkable therapeutic and advocacy services for Toledo families.
