A mood disorder is one of those conditions where the person suffers from changes in his emotional conditions. More importantly, this condition often sometimes has a pesky effect on women due to hormonal changes, stress, etc. Generally, a mood disorder ranges from depression to happiness or irritability. Therefore, it disrupts their normal life activities.
Mood disorders are highly prevalent among women, especially when certain stages of life come, such as pregnancy, menopause, or after delivery. Emotional outbursts may be the manifestation of an underlying mood disorder that requires treatment to achieve emotional balance.
Mood disorders may take various forms that present a different set of symptoms. In women, these disorders can be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes, stress, or other factors, which are:
Mood disorders take several forms. While symptoms may differ from person to person, some common signs in women consists of:
Loss of Interest: Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, work, or socializing, often indicates mood disorders.
Fatigue and Low Energy: Constant tiredness despite rest is a serious symptom, leaving women feeling drained regardless of sleep quality.
Mood Swings: Extreme emotional changes, from elation to deep depression or irritability, are common signs of mood disorders in women.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or oversleeping are prevalent, with sleep issues affecting most women suffering from mood disorders.
Irritability and Emotional Outbursts: Women with mood disorders often experience irritability, emotional outbursts, and heightened emotional responses that strain relationships.
Thoughts of Worthlessness: Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness may lead to dangerous thoughts, including self-harm or suicidal tendencies.
Changes in Appetite: Significant weight gain or loss due to changes in appetite, often driven by emotional discomfort or overeating.
What triggers an exact case of mood disorder varies with everyone. There are some special factors for women related to mood disorders that trigger its occurrence. These are:
Substance Use: Drug or alcohol abuse can worsen mood disorders and mental health, potentially leading to new emotional challenges.
Genetics: Family history increases the risk of mood disorders, with some women being more genetically vulnerable to emotional instability.
Stress and Trauma: Stressful life events like loss or divorce can provoke mood disorders, with chronic stress causing lasting mood changes.
Sleep Deprivation: Chronic lack of sleep, common among new mothers or busy women, can lead to emotional instability and mood disorders.
Physical Health Issues: Conditions like thyroid imbalances or chronic diseases can disrupt body chemicals, potentially triggering mood disorders.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or menstrual cycles, can contribute to or worsen mood disorders.
A physician will usually assess the patient comprehensively when diagnosing a mood disorder. This may include:
Physical Exam: A thorough physical exam helps rule out medical conditions that may be causing mood changes or disturbances.
Medical History: AA detailed medical history, including mental illness or family history, is crucial for understanding mood disorder risk.
Psychological Evaluation: Psychiatrists use interviews and questionnaires to assess mood patterns, emotional triggers, and behavior during evaluations.
Lab Tests: Blood tests can identify hormone imbalances or nutrient deficiencies that may affect mood or contribute to disorders.
Mood Charting: Tracking daily mood and symptoms helps doctors identify patterns and triggers and determine the most effective treatment.
There are a few effective treatment options for mood disorders. Women can benefit from a combination of therapies, medicines, and lifestyle changes to reduce outbursts of emotions and mood swings. A few of them are:
Therapy (Psychotherapy): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients address negative thinking and emotional responses and is especially beneficial for postpartum depression.
Medication: Medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants regulate brain chemicals to stabilize mood and manage symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper sleep improve mental health by boosting mood and maintaining well-being.
Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy regulates mood swings and symptoms related to pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal imbalances in women.
Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises help reduce stress, promoting emotional stability in women with mood disorders.
Support Groups: Support groups offer a safe space for women to share experiences and cope with mood disorders together.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is used for severe mood disorders that don’t respond to other treatments, stimulating brain activity for relief.
Dr. Kavitha Lakshmi Easwaran,focusses on high-risk pregnancy, normal delivery, C-section delivery, Pregnancy Induced diabetes, hypertension , anemia Mensuration, PCOD PCOS, Menopause, cervical screening, Gyna surgeries - Fibroid treatment, Laparoscopy - etc.
