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Mood Disturbance

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What it is: Mood disturbances may include major depression, bipolar disorder, bereavement, and other diagnoses. Depression affects millions of Americans each year, and it can be debilitating. Sometimes, depression can be triggered by life events such as giving birth, loss of a loved one, or a major life transition such as college or changing jobs. Other times, it comes without warning or reason. Regardless of the circumstances, there are several treatment approaches for depression that are effective.

Common Symptoms of Depression Include

  • Loss of interest in people or enjoyable activities

  • Sadness, despondency, or flatness

  • Difficulty with motivation

  • Challenges with concentration, planning, and making decisions

  • Insomnia or excessive sleep

  • Lack of energy

  • Suicidal thoughts

Bipolar Disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. It affects more than 5 million Americans every year, yet it is often misrepresented in the media to describe rapidly changing moods and emotions. Bipolar Disorder instead refers to someone that has experienced depression (LINK) and a manic or hypomanic episode.

Depression Symptoms

  • Decreased need for sleep

  • Increase in reward-seeking behaviors

    • e.g., gambling, sex, shopping sprees

  • Rapid speech

  • Abundance of new ideas

Associated Concerns: People with mood disturbance may also experience symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and social/relationship concerns (e.g., difficulties connecting with others). Thoughts about suicide or self-harm may occur as well. Many individuals with substance use difficulties have a co-occurring mood disorder.

Evidence Based Treatments offered: Therapeutic interventions for depression include DBT.

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