Mood disorders can make it a challenge to regulate your emotions and to stay on track with daily responsibilities. At Alicia MHS in Catonsville, Maryland, Alicia Scott-Darden, PMHNP-BC, provides evaluations and evidence-based treatment for common mood disorders like bipolar disorder and depression. To get started with personalized care, call the office or book your appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat are mood disorders?
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that have a strong influence on your emotional well-being. Some involve fluctuating moods while others cause mostly negative moods. Your emotions impact your behaviors, which often deviate from your typical behaviors due to a mood disorder.
When you first visit Alicia MHS with symptoms of a mood disorder, you get a detailed psychiatric evaluation. The results offer insight into your mental health and can help your provider make a diagnosis. They can then plan your treatment based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
What are some of the most common mood disorders?
Alicia MHS specializes in diagnosing and treating common mood disorders that can have a major impact on your life. Your provider makes sure you get personalized and effective treatment for:
Depression
Major depression causes you to lose interest in the activities and topics you normally engage in. It causes persistent negative emotions, such as sadness, hopelessness, and often guilt, too.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder comes with periods of depression coupled with periods of mania (when your moods and your energy are heightened). Mania can involve a loss of inhibition, decreased need for sleep, and talkativeness.
Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t always considered a mood disorder, but some of its symptoms can affect your mood. Anxiety disorders cause fears and hesitancies that are often unfounded or irrational to other people.
How can I manage a mood disorder?
Alicia MHS can help you manage your mood disorder with professional, evidence-based care. Effective mood disorder management often involves using multiple strategies, which can change over time according to your needs. You might benefit from:
Supportive therapy
Your supportive therapy sessions at Alicia MHS last for 30-60 minutes. During them, you can express your concerns and work on developing coping skills.
Medications
Mood-regulating medications like antidepressants and mood stabilizers can make your emotions more manageable. During 20-30 minute medication management checks at Alicia MHS, you can update your provider on how you’re feeling on a particular medication and any side effects you notice.
Self-care
Self-care strategies help you meet your own needs, both physical and emotional. You might benefit from exercising, adjusting your diet, or developing a bedtime routine.
Schedule your psychiatric evaluation for mood disorders over the phone or booking online at Alicia MHS today.