Mood Disorders

If you’re having trouble controlling your emotions due to a mood disorder, turn to New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC in Sioux City, Iowa. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Dorcas Kamau, PMHNP-DNP, offers treatments that reduce the counterproductive effects of depression and bipolar disorder. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression, affect your emotions. They might make you feel sad, anxious, or have extreme mood swings. While mood disorders can diminish your quality of life when not addressed, treatment at New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC helps restore your quality of life. 

Examples of mood disorders include:

Depression disorders

Depression can cause extreme or constant sadness, anxiety, emptiness, loss of interest in favorite things, and thoughts of suicide. Depression is typically situational after a traumatic experience or ongoing due to genetics.

Bipolar disorders

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings, causing extreme depression cycled with euphoria (feeling overjoyed). These extreme highs and lows can cause problems in your personal or professional life. 

What are the symptoms of mood disorders?

Mood disorders may lead to:

• Ongoing fear or worry
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Weight changes
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Problems focusing
• Feeling helpless, worthless, or guilty
• Thoughts of suicide
• Relationships challenges
• Irritability 
• Impulsive decisions and behaviors

Treatment with Dorcas at New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC helps stabilize your emotions and lessen symptoms of mood disorders.

What may increase the risk of a mood disorder?

The cause of mood disorders isn’t fully clear. However, common risk factors include a family history of a mood disorder, stress, traumatic experiences, some medications, and neurological disorders that affect your nervous system and brain. 

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

Dorcas completes a comprehensive mental health evaluation in person or virtually to determine if you have depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder. She discusses your moods, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, medications, and medical history to determine which treatment plan is best. 

How are mood disorders treated?

Treating a mood disorder typically involves therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of treatments. Dorcas provides cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and other types of counseling to help you effectively manage your symptoms and live your best life. Take any medications as instructed and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth mood disorders evaluation at New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC by phone or request one online today.