Mood disorders are just what their name states — a disorder that affects a person's mood or emotional state. Help is available from Dr. Elizabeth Maloy-Matuzik and the other providers at Maloy Therapeutic Alliance in South Barrington, IL, if you think you might have a mood disorder. And if you're anywhere throughout Illinois or prefer an online visit, you can book that option, too.
What Classifies as a Mood Disorder?
You may have questions about what is classified as a mood disorder. One of the more well-known ones is bipolar disorder, which occurs when a person has extreme highs and lows, meaning depressive and manic episodes. Another one that stands out is depressive disorder, which can cause a person to lose interest in the activities and people they love and may even impact their physical health.
Women may experience the mood disorder premenstrual dysphoric disorder — an issue that causes a woman to have extreme mood swings before she menstruates. Severe anxiety, extreme sadness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances are possible as well.
Signs You Have a Mood Disorder
Though there are various types of mood disorders, recognizing the signs there's a problem is your first step to feeling better overall.
These are some of the symptoms to take notice of:
- Persistent or recurrent bouts of sadness or hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleep habits
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive worrying
- Mood swings
- Irritability or anger
- Social withdrawal
Getting the Necessary Treatment
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, reach out to Maloy Therapeutic Alliance in South Barrington, IL.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, often referred to as simply CBT, is a staple treatment for mood disorders. During this type of therapy, you learn to change your thoughts and behaviors from unhelpful to positive.
A prime example is if you tend to frame challenges in all-or-nothing terms. CBT will help you get out of that habit and replace it with breaking problems into smaller parts and appreciating your progress.
Some of your therapy may also include looking at your childhood and how it played a role in the way you relate to others or set expectations for yourself.
Reach Out to Begin Your Therapeutic Alliance
Mood disorders are often treated with a combination of psychopharmacology and talk therapy. Maloy Therapeutic Alliance in South Barrington, IL, can be the therapy arm of this dynamic by providing talk therapy in-person and online.