Mood Disorders

Learn More

Mood disorders affect more than 20% of Americans today. At Raelin Bright Wellness, caring psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, expertly supports patients with mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorders through telepsychiatry and medication management. Patients are welcome from the Las Vegas area and throughout Nevada, Seattle, Washington, Phoenix and Tuscon, Arizona and Los Angeles, California, so call the office or go online to use the booking tool now.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders cause notable and persistent changes in mood and often cause poor quality of life. The major types of mood disorders are:

Depressive disorders

Depressive disorders include depression in all forms, including major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and others. 

Bipolar and related disorders

Bipolar disorder includes bipolar I and bipolar II. This category also includes cyclothymic disorder, in which bipolar symptoms are present but not severe enough for a bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Mood disorders currently affect more than 20% of Americans.

What are the signs of a mood disorder?

Mood disorders cause significant changes in your normal mood, thoughts, and behaviors, including issues such as:

• Sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Poor focus and concentration
• Sleep pattern changes
• Appetite and weight changes
• Giving up activities you once loved
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Hostility
• Periods of deep sadness alternating with periods of extreme energy and happiness 

Anxiety isn’t a mood disorder; however, it’s often a comorbid condition (occurring at the same time). 

Everyone may experience temporary feelings like irritation and sadness. But, when the symptoms continue for at least a couple of weeks and start to disrupt your life, it could be a mood disorder. 

What causes mood disorders?

Experts believe that brain chemical imbalance is a leading factor in mood disorders, but stressful experiences can play a role too. 

Genetics play a significant role in many mood disorders. For example, up to 90% of people with bipolar disorder have at least one relative with bipolar disorder or depression.

Anyone can develop a mood disorder, but they’re most common in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) versus men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). 

How are mood disorders treated?

Dominique customizes a treatment plan for you, usually including:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy helps you understand your disorder better so you can effectively respond to problems. Through virtual psychotherapy sessions (telepsychiatry), you’ll learn coping skills and develop effective plans to improve your quality of life.

Medication management

Medication management balances brain chemistry through drugs like antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Genetic testing determines which drugs interact best with your genetics and unique brain chemistry and helps find the optimal dosage without all the trial-and-error. 

For compassionate care, call Raelin Bright Wellness or book your consultation using online scheduling today!