OverviewIf you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania). Show
Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression. Mood disorders may increase your risk of suicide. Some examples of mood disorders include:
For most people, mood disorders can be successfully treated with medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy). When to see a doctorIf you're concerned that you may have a mood disorder, make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, a faith leader, or someone else you trust. Talk to a health care professional if you:
Your mood disorder is unlikely to simply go away on its own, and it may get worse over time. Seek professional help before your mood disorder becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on. Mood disorders care at Mayo Clinic Oct. 29, 2021
RelatedProducts & ServicesSummaryRead the full fact sheet
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Related information
Support groupsFrom other websitesContent disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. What is the main difference between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder is easily confused with depression because it can include depressive episodes. The main difference between the two is that depression is unipolar, meaning that there is no “up” period, but bipolar disorder includes symptoms of mania.
Can you have bipolar and major depressive disorder?Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are two separate conditions — you can't be diagnosed with both at the same time. But that's because diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder II includes MDD. Of course, it is possible to be misdiagnosed.
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and unipolar depression?What to know about unipolar depression. Unipolar depression is another name for major depressive disorder. The term “unipolar” means that this form of depression does not cycle through other mental states, such as mania. In contrast, bipolar conditions cause periods of both depression and mania.
What is the difference between bipolar depression and manic depression?Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.
|