Mood Disorders

If you struggle with ongoing sadness, mood swings, or substance misuse due to mood disorders, turn to Colorado Cares Psychiatry in Denver, Colorado. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Carrie Radding, PMHNP-APN, and her team provide treatments for common mood disorders to optimize the mental health and well-being of patients of all ages. Schedule an in-person or telepsychiatry evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are mental health challenges that alter your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and mood. Such disorders can affect interpersonal relationships, your job, school, or other aspects of your life when not addressed. If you suspect you or a loved one has a mood disorder, see the Colorado Cares Psychiatry team for an evaluation. 

What are examples of mood disorders?

Examples of mood disorders include:

• Bipolar disorder: depression cycled with euphoria (extreme mood swings)
• Cyclothymia: Milder mood swings compared with bipolar disorder 
• Hypomania: feeling euphoric, energized, or unusually irritable
• Major depressive disorder: extreme sadness
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: anger, irritability, and intense outbursts
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): extreme mood shifts during menstruation 
• Substance-induced mood disorder: depression caused by drugs, medicine, or alcohol
• Dysthymia: depression or irritability that lasts at least two years

Symptoms of mood disorders include sadness, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, anger, and thoughts of suicide. See your provider if you’re bothered by these or other debilitating symptoms.

What increases the risk of mood disorders?

The cause of mood disorders isn’t entirely understood, but children, teenagers, and adults can all develop them. Risk factors include:

• Family history of mood disorders
• Physical medical problems
• Imbalanced brain chemicals
• Family history of mood disorders
• Trauma
• Stress
• Divorce
• Job loss
• Loss of a loved one
• Financial difficulties
• Getting bullied 

Certain personality traits might make you more prone to developing mood disorders.

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your Colorado Cares Psychiatry specialist diagnoses mood disorders. They complete a psychiatric evaluation by asking questions about your mood, thoughts, behaviors, and more before personalizing a treatment plan. 

Colorado Cares Psychiatry offers GeneSight® testing to determine which medications are likely best based on your genetic makeup. 

How are mood disorders treated?

Medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes can diminish symptoms of mood disorders. The Colorado Cares Psychiatry team offers individualized counseling, family therapy, and couples counseling to help you overcome mood disorder challenges. They follow up with you for therapy weekly or as needed to maximize the results.

Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment at Colorado Cares Psychiatry by phone or request one online today for relief from the bothersome symptoms of mood disorders.