Condition guide
Mood Disorders
When mood swings beyond your control shape your life
Overview
Mood disorders are conditions in which emotional state itself is the primary problem — persistently low, unusually elevated, or swinging between the two in ways that disrupt functioning.
The category includes major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and the bipolar spectrum. Accurate differentiation matters, because treatment for bipolar depression differs meaningfully from unipolar depression.
Common symptoms
- Depressed mood lasting weeks or years
- Periods of unusually elevated energy, reduced sleep need, or impulsivity
- Rapid or unpredictable mood shifts
- Chronic low-grade dissatisfaction and fatigue
- Seasonal patterns in mood
- Irritability rather than sadness, particularly in teens and men
- Functional impairment across work, school, and relationships
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic vulnerability and family history
- Neurotransmitter and brain-network dysregulation
- Circadian rhythm and sleep disruption
- Hormonal factors, including postpartum and perimenopausal shifts
- Chronic stress and trauma history
- Substance use and certain medical conditions
Treatment options we offer
- Thorough diagnostic assessment, including bipolar screening
- Individual therapy and rhythm-stabilizing routines
- TMS for unipolar depression that hasn't responded to medication
- Coordination with your prescriber on medication management
- Family psychoeducation and relapse-warning-sign planning
Therapy approaches used
- CBT
- Behavioral activation and routine stabilization
- Family psychoeducation
- Relapse prevention planning
How TMS fits in
TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder. For bipolar depression it requires careful evaluation, because stimulation can occasionally precipitate mood elevation. We screen for bipolar spectrum illness before recommending TMS to anyone.
Learn more about TMS therapyFrequently asked questions
Services that treat Mood Disorders
Start with one conversation
Tell us what you've tried. We'll confirm eligibility, verify your benefits, and map out what treatment would look like.