Mood Swings vs. Mood Disorders: Know the Signs and Get Help
Are emotional ups and downs disrupting your daily life? Discover common symptoms of mood disorders and learn when to talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.
By Tyler Veterano, DO, Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry – Virtua Behavioral Health
It’s human to experience a range of emotions and feelings connected to everyday events. You’ve probably felt excited or happy because of a positive life event, like a job promotion, a significant achievement, or a new relationship. You’ve likely also experienced sadness or feeling “down” after a negative life event, like the end of a relationship, financial hardship, or the death of a loved one.
However, if you experience emotional changes that disrupt your daily activities for more than a few days, it could be a sign of a mood disorder.
What are the symptoms of a mood disorder?
Mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder have a range of symptoms, including:
- Variations in sleep, appetite, motivation, focus, and energy levels
- Emotional highs and lows
- Lack of interest in hobbies, work, and relationships
- Feeling sad or anxious
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Thoughts of suicide
When to seek care for a mood disorder
If you're experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder, it’s important to discuss it as soon as you can with your primary care provider (PCP), who can ensure you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Your care will start with a physical exam, lab work to rule out other possible causes, and a review of your medical history, including past mental health issues. Your provider will review your symptoms and may ask questions about their frequency, intensity, or possible causes.
Based on your symptoms, your PCP may prescribe a medication that addresses your specific symptoms. They may also refer you to a psychologist or social worker for counseling, where you can talk about your feelings and learn coping techniques. If your symptoms don't improve with treatment, you may be referred to a psychiatrist who can provide more complex care.
While mood disorders are common, they're very treatable–especially when diagnosed early.
Virtua's mental health team is here to help
Virtua offers a range of mental and behavioral health services to help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment. We want to connect you to the care and services you need so you can feel better in your everyday life.
This includes outpatient mental health treatment with licensed clinical social workers for Virtua Primary Care patients. To help meet patients' mental and emotional health needs, our primary care physicians refer their patients to licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who work within the practice. These professionals provide a range of psychotherapy services, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and treat conditions including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, and substance abuse.
Schedule a primary care appointment online now or call 888-847-8823.
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