HPA/LiveWell treats numerous types of depression and mood disorders. If you are suffering, please call us today.
Here at HPA/LiveWell, we treat a number of types of depression and mood disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia and substance-induced mood disorder. Here is a brief overview of the different types of depression and mood disorders.
Unipolar depression – In the United States, 1 in 10 people suffer from depression. It’s alarming that more than 80% of sufferers do not get the treatment they need. Depression is a serious medical condition that affects more of our population each year. Sufferers have an increased risk of other diseases including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cancer. Depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, extreme sadness, fatigue and poor concentration.
Bipolar disorder – Also known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder is a serious and often debilitating disorder that causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy levels and the ability to function on a day-to-day basis. There are several types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I – Patients diagnosed with bipolar I have experienced at least one manic episode in their lifetime.
- Bipolar II – Patients diagnosed with bipolar II have experienced their mood cycling between depression and hypomania (elevated mood), but they haven’t had a full manic episode in their lifetime.
- Rapid cycling – Patients diagnosed with this form of bipolar disorder experience 4 or more episodes of depression or mania a year.
- Mixed bipolar – With this form of bipolar disorder, rather than alternating slowly between mania and depression, moods will shift rapidly. Sufferers may experience both depression and mania at the same time.
- Cyclothymia – Patients suffering from cyclothymia experience mood swings with milder symptoms than full-blown bipolar disorder.
Dysthymic disorder – Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that can last a long time – usually at least two years and often much longer. Sufferers may lose interest in favorite activities and experience feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem.
Substance-induced mood disorder – Substance-induced mood disorders can be caused by drug or alcohol addiction, medication or toxins. People suffering from this type of mood disorder can experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, mania, paranoia and hallucinations.
What causes depression and mood disorders?
The exact causes of most types of depression and mood disorders are not fully understood, though it’s believed that depression and bipolar disorder are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. These imbalances affect certain neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
What are the signs and symptoms of depression and mood disorders?
Depression – Many of symptoms are debilitating and prevent sufferers from leading a normal life. Signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of extreme sadness or emptiness
- Negative feelings and feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt and anxiety
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aches and pains that aren’t relieved by treatment
Bipolar disorder – Though bipolar disorder is characterized by unpredictable mood swings, the exact symptoms will vary from person to person. Some people may suffer more from symptoms of depression, while others suffer more from symptoms of mania. In addition to the signs and symptoms of depression (listed above), signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
- Racing thoughts
- Decreased need for sleep
- High sex drive
- Increased energy
- Tendency to make unrealistic plans
- Excessive excitement or happiness
How does HPA/LiveWell treat depression and mood disorders?
You don’t have to live with depression. Many of the symptoms of depression can be minimized through simple lifestyle changes. Managing a healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise and adequate sleep as well as avoiding excess stress, drugs and alcohol will help. At HPA/LiveWell, our staff dietitians and nutritionists can help you strike a healthy balance in your lifestyle.
Treating mood disorders requires the help of a professional. Struggling through alone will only prolong your suffering. An experienced therapist will understand your condition and advise you on the best form of treatment. Professional treatment usually consists of a combination of therapy and medication. Of course, the specific treatment plan depends on the type of disorder and unique needs of the patient.