Mood Disorders

Diagnosis

To determine if you have a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder, your doctor or primary care provider may perform a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions. They will review your:

• Symptoms and their duration
• Medical and family histories
• History of alcohol or drug use

Your doctor may ask about previous episodes of a mood disorder, including:

• How long past episodes lasted
• Time between episodes
• Severity of episodes
• Whether episodes were affected by medications or street drugs

Questions about other current or past mental health conditions may also be asked. If necessary, you may be referred to a mental health professional for further evaluation.

Treatment

Mood disorders can often be treated with psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, involves discussing your condition and related issues with a trained mental health professional.

Medications can help manage depression and bipolar disorder. The best choice depends on how well the medicine controls your symptoms, your tolerance, and your preferences. Medicines are typically used alongside talk therapy for optimal results.

Types of therapy that can help include:

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
• Family-focused therapy
• Other talk therapies aimed at managing symptoms or preventing recurrence

For some people with depression, brain stimulation therapies may be recommended if other treatments are not effective. These include:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

These procedures are usually considered secondary options and are used when standard therapies do not provide sufficient relief.