Depression and Mood Disorders
Get Help Today!Depression and Mood Disorders Such as Bipolar Disorder
Depression is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low self-worth, and emotional emptiness. It can be acute (short-term), chronic (long-term), or recurring. People struggling with depression often report difficulty completing everyday tasks—such as grocery shopping, cleaning, or even getting out of bed. Depression impacts both the mind and body, interfering with sleep, appetite, focus, energy levels, and overall functionality.
Without proper treatment, depression can significantly disrupt daily life and relationships, and in severe cases, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Early intervention and accurate diagnosis are essential for long-term management and recovery.
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Mood Disorders Beyond Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania). These mood shifts can range from extreme energy, euphoria, or irritability during manic states to overwhelming sadness and lethargy during depressive episodes.
Bipolar I Disorder involves severe manic episodes that may require hospitalization.
Bipolar II Disorder includes patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes without full-blown mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder presents milder, fluctuating symptoms of both depression and hypomania over an extended period.
Unlike depression alone, bipolar disorder may involve risky behavior, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and delusional thinking during manic phases. Recognizing these patterns is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure proper treatment.
Common Causes of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders can stem from a variety of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, such as:
Genetics – Family history plays a strong role in the likelihood of developing mood disorders.
Neurochemical Imbalance – Disruptions in brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can alter mood regulation.
Stressful Life Events – Trauma, grief, abuse, and chronic stress may trigger mood disorders.
Medical Conditions – Chronic illnesses or hormonal imbalances (like thyroid dysfunction) may contribute.
Substance Use – Alcohol or drug misuse can both cause and worsen mood disorders.
In some cases, mood disorders arise without an identifiable trigger, highlighting the importance of biological influences and the need for professional evaluation.
The Importance of Diagnosis and Personalized Care
Because mood disorders present differently for each person, it is critical to seek a professional diagnosis before starting treatment. Misdiagnosing bipolar disorder as depression alone can lead to inappropriate treatment and worsened symptoms.
At Molina Psychiatric Associates, we understand the complexity of mood disorders and tailor our approach to each individual. Dr. Molina conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Depression Symptoms
Prolonged sadness or emotional numbness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or lack of energy despite adequate rest
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
Appetite or weight changes
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
Thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Manic/Hypomanic Symptoms:
Increased energy or activity levels
Decreased need for sleep
Elevated or irritable mood
Racing thoughts and rapid speech
Risky or impulsive behavior
Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Depressive Symptoms (similar to major depression)
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the mood disorder but may include:
Medication – Antidepressants, mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium), or antipsychotics for mood regulation.
Psychiatric Counseling – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other modalities.
Lifestyle Interventions – Nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction.
Advanced Therapies – For treatment-resistant cases, options like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be explored.
Most patients begin to feel improvement within a few weeks of initiating treatment. Ongoing care and open communication with a psychiatrist are essential for long-term stability.
Expert Psychiatric Care in Your Journey to Wellness
Dr. Molina provides comprehensive psychiatric care for a wide range of conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. With extensive experience and a compassionate approach, we're dedicated to helping you achieve better mental health through personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Schedule Your ConsultationHear What Our Clients Say
Dr. Molina has been my psychiatrist for many years. He is very caring and very knowledgeable. He offers video visits when appropriate, which are very convenient. I appreciate Dr. Molina very much and recommend him greatly.
Molina Psychiatry
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression or another mood disorder, don’t wait to get help. Seeking timely, professional care can prevent symptoms from worsening and significantly improve quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with Molina Psychiatric Associates today. Let us help you take the next step toward emotional wellness and lasting recovery.
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Address
Molina Psychiatric Associates, P.A.
2485 E. Southlake Blvd.,
Suite 100,
Southlake, Texas 76092
Phone
817-873-0595
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7am - 4pm
Fridays: Closed
scheduling@molinapsychiatricassociates.com