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Mood Disorder

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and mood swings could be signs of a mood disorder. Get the support you need to improve your mental health.

What Is A Mood Disorder?

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect a person’s emotional state, leading to persistent changes in mood that interfere with daily life. Common mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms can include sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, irritability, and fatigue. These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. Treatment options for mood disorders include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Signs & Symptoms Of Mood Disorders

The signs and symptoms of a mood disorder can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common symptoms include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
  • Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping.
  • Changes in appetite or weight.
  • Fatigue or lack of energy.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
  • Irritability or restlessness.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

It’s important to note that everyone experiences emotions differently, and experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that someone has a mood disorder. However, if these symptoms persist and interfere with daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ketamine for treatment of mood disorders and suicidality: A narrative review of recent progress

Mood disorders are a leading cause of morbidity. Many patients experience treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and suicide rates are rising. Faster-acting and more effective antidepressant medications are needed. Four decades of research has transformed the use of ketamine from an anesthetic to an outpatient treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Ketamine is a N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and has been shown to rapidly improve mood symptoms and suicidal ideation by targeting the glutamate system directly. 1

 

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Common Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being and quality of life. Each of these conditions is characterized by changes in mood that range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these disorders are crucial to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities.

 

Bipolar Disorder (BD)

A mental health condition that involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, including manic and depressive episodes.

 

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

A chronic form of depression that lasts for two years or more and involves persistent feelings of sadness and low mood.

 

Cyclothymic Disorder

A mild form of bipolar disorder that involves mood swings between mild depression and hypomania (a less severe form of mania).

 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

A type of depression that affects some women before their menstrual cycle, causing mood swings, irritability, and other physical and emotional symptoms.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight.

 

Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

A condition caused by the use of drugs or alcohol that can lead to changes in mood, including depression, anxiety, and mania.

Postpartum Depression

A type of depression that affects women after giving birth, characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, and can interfere with the mother’s ability to care for herself and her child

Benefits of ketamine assisted psychotherapy

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of the drug ketamine to enhance the therapeutic process. KAP sessions are typically conducted with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist, who guides the patient through the experience while also providing therapeutic support.

During a KAP session, the patient receives a controlled dose of ketamine, typically administered through an IV infusion, nasal spray, or oral medication. The therapist then engages in talk therapy with the patient, using the altered state of consciousness induced by the ketamine to explore and address underlying emotional and psychological issues. The goal is to help the patient gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, process past traumas, and make positive changes in their behavior and relationships.

Some of the benefits of KAP include:

Rapid relief of symptoms

Ketamine can induce a temporary altered state of consciousness that has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. This can provide immediate relief to individuals who may be struggling with severe symptoms.

Enhanced therapeutic experience

The use of ketamine during therapy sessions can enhance the therapeutic experience by providing a deeper level of insight and understanding into one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can help individuals gain greater self-awareness, process past traumas, and make positive changes in their lives.

Increased motivation

Ketamine has been found to have a mood-enhancing effect that can increase motivation and help individuals feel more engaged in the therapeutic process.

Long-lasting effects

Some studies have found that the benefits of KAP can last beyond the immediate effects of the drug, with some patients experiencing sustained improvements in symptoms for weeks or months after treatment.

Reduced need for medication

For some individuals, KAP may provide an alternative to traditional medication-based treatments, reducing the need for long-term medication use.

The Integration of MDMA and Ketamine in Psychotherapy: An Exploration of Their Complementary Benefits

While traditional talk therapy can be effective for many people, there is growing interest in exploring alternative forms of therapy that involve the use of mind-altering substances. Two such substances that are currently being explored for their therapeutic potential are MDMA and Ketamine. Read more

The Science Behind Ketamine and Its Use in Psychotherapy

Discover the science behind ketamine and its use in psychotherapy. Explore how this emerging field is changing mental health treatment Read more