Mood disorders typically include depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorders. There are two types of Bipolar Depression, one includes episodes of mania (aka elevated mood) and the other type has less drastic mood swings. Bipolar Depression is often a delayed diagnosis for individuals who have noticed “something’s not right” for a long time. In adolescence, this can take the form of increased irritability and behavioral changes that are not uncommon for a typical adolescent.
Have you ever felt like there is a “black cloud” weighing you down with no relief, for years at a time? That is dysthymia. If the mood disorder requires medication management; then we collaborate with those professionals. You are not alone in this struggle and regular support can make a huge difference in your daily functioning.