Depression and Mood Disorders

Complete care for adults, children, and teens

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s mood, or emotional state. Depression and bipolar disorder are two types of mood disorders. A mood disorder may cause dramatic mood swings from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression), with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with the mood changes.

Depression is different than occasionally feeling down or sad. Depression is a serious medical condition that requires expert treatment. Symptoms of depression include constant or near-constant feelings of sadness or helplessness, as well as a lack of interest in activities you once loved. With appropriate treatment, people with depression can be helped. Perfect Depression Care at Henry Ford is a nationally recognized program for excellent outcomes and patient-centered care.

Our behavioral and mental health experts care for patients of all ages with these mood disorders.

Types and symptoms of mood disorders

We care for patients throughout metro Detroit with many forms of mood disorders, including:

• Bipolar disorder, which is characterized by periods of intense sadness and happiness
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a childhood mental health condition in which patients have angry or irritable moods with frequent outbursts of anger
• Major depressive disorder, which includes long periods of intense sadness
• Mood disorders associated with addiction (substance-use disorder)

Treatment for mood disorders

As part of our Perfect Depression Care approach, we assess all patients with depression for their risk of suicide.

Our providers complete a thorough evaluation and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and condition. Your treatment plan may include:

• Individual, family, or group therapy
• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
• Medications, including antidepressants and other medicines to help improve your mood
• Partial Hospitalization Programs
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapy technique focused on problem-solving, which will help you understand the disorder and better manage emotional triggers
• Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, an evidence-based treatment shown to be an effective treatment for patients with suicidal thoughts or self-injury or those patients with borderline personality disorder

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend inpatient psychiatric care. Learn more about inpatient psychiatric care options.

Depression in women

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression. Women may develop depression for a number of reasons, including family issues, relationships, and stress. In addition, approximately one in 10 women experiences depression during pregnancy or after giving birth.

In our experience, we understand that women with depression need different care than men. Our providers take women’s unique needs into consideration when we create treatment plans, including life stages and other factors.

Depression and mood disorders in children and teens

Caring for children and teens who have depression and mood disorders is different than caring for adults. Our pediatric providers specialize in treating the full range of mood disorders in young patients. Learn more about our mental health services for children and teens.