Mood Disorder Treatment in Glendale, Arizona
Shamlock Behavioral Health provides mood disorder treatment in Glendale, Arizona, led by Dr. Kerubo Nyachieo, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Our Mental health care plan is designed for people experiencing significant or persistent changes in mood, energy, behavior, or emotional functioning.
Mood disorder treatment may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments. The appropriate approach depends on the specific condition, symptoms, medical history, treatment history, and individual clinical needs.
Mood Disorder Treatment at Shamlock Behavioral Health
Everyone experiences changes in mood. Significant or persistent mood changes may require professional evaluation when they begin affecting daily functioning, relationships, work, sleep, or other areas of life.
Signs/Symptoms Your Mood Swings May Need Professional Treatment
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Extreme irritability
- Significant mood swings
- Unusually high or elevated mood
- Periods of unusually high energy
- Major changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite or energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Increased impulsivity or risky behavior
- Periods of severe depression
- Repeated changes between depressive and elevated moods
Mood changes can have different causes. They may occur with bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, anxiety, ADHD, sleep problems, medications, substance use, or certain medical conditions. A psychiatric evaluation from Dr. Kerubo Nyachieo can help identify the underlying condition.
Mood Disorder Evaluation and Diagnosis
A mood disorder evaluation looks at the pattern, duration, severity, and impact of mood symptoms. Dr. Kerubo may assess current mood symptoms, previous depressive or elevated mood episodes, changes in energy and activity, sleep patterns, concentration and functioning, impulsive or risky behavior, medical history, mental health history, current medications, previous psychiatric treatment, family mental health history, and co-occurring conditions.
The pattern of symptoms is important. A person experiencing depression, for example, may require a different treatment approach from someone experiencing depression as part of bipolar disorder. A diagnosis is based on the overall clinical picture rather than a single symptom or mood change.
Mood Disorders We Treat in Arizona
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of significant changes in mood, energy, activity, and functioning. These episodes can include depression and periods of mania or hypomania.
Bipolar disorder requires treatment that addresses both depressive and elevated mood episodes. Treatment may include medication, mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, or a combination of approaches.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that can cause significant impairment and may require hospitalization. Depressive episodes are also common but are not required for a Bipolar I diagnosis.
Treatment focuses on managing mood episodes and reducing the risk of future episodes.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder involves depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is less severe than the full mania seen in Bipolar I disorder, but depressive episodes can still significantly affect daily functioning.
Treatment may include medication and psychotherapy based on the individual’s symptoms and clinical needs.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is a long-lasting depressive condition. Symptoms can continue for an extended period and may affect mood, energy, concentration, and everyday functioning.
Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Symptoms typically appear during a particular season and improve during another part of the year. Symptoms may involve low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
SAD treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms and may include psychotherapy, medication, light therapy, or other appropriate approaches.
Telehealth & In Person Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Glendale, Arizona
Bipolar disorder treatment in Glendale, Arizona focuses on managing mood episodes, reducing symptom severity, and supporting stable daily functioning. Treatment depends on whether the person is experiencing depression, mania, hypomania, or changes between mood states. A treatment plan may include medication management, mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and ongoing monitoring of symptoms and treatment response.
1. Mood Stabilizer Medication Management
Mood stabilizers are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and other conditions involving significant mood instability. They can help manage episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression and may reduce the risk of future mood episodes.
Medication selection depends on the diagnosis, current symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, other medications, and potential side effects. Medication management includes monitoring treatment response and making adjustments when clinically appropriate.
2. Psychotherapy for Mood Disorders
Psychotherapy for mood disorders can help address thoughts, behaviors, relationships, stress, and other factors that may affect mood symptoms.
Therapy may be used alongside medication or as part of a broader treatment plan. The type of psychotherapy used depends on the condition and the individual’s clinical needs.
For bipolar disorder, psychotherapy can also help with recognizing mood changes, maintaining routines, managing stress, and improving treatment adherence.
3. Treatment for Persistent or Severe Mood Symptoms
Some people experience mood symptoms that continue despite previous treatment or become severe enough to significantly affect daily functioning.
Persistent or severe symptoms may require a review of the current diagnosis, previous treatments, medication response, co-occurring conditions, and other factors that may be affecting treatment. Treatment can then be adjusted based on the clinical picture and individual needs.
Treating Mood Disorders and Other Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Mood Disorders and Depression
Depression and mood disorders can overlap, but they are not always the same condition. Major depressive disorder involves depressive episodes without the manic or hypomanic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can also include significant depressive episodes. Distinguishing between different mood conditions is important because treatment can differ depending on the diagnosis.
Mood Disorders and Anxiety
Anxiety can occur alongside mood disorders. A person may experience persistent worry, fear, restlessness, or panic along with depressive or bipolar symptoms. When anxiety and mood symptoms occur together, the evaluation should consider both conditions and how they affect daily functioning.
Mood Disorders and ADHD
ADHD and mood disorders can occur together. Difficulties with attention, impulsivity, energy, sleep, and emotional regulation can overlap across conditions. A comprehensive evaluation can help distinguish ADHD symptoms from mood episodes and determine whether both conditions may require treatment.
Mood Disorder Treatment Online and In Person Near You in Arizona
Shamlock Behavioral Health provides mood disorder treatment in Glendale, Arizona, led by Dr. Kerubo Nyachieo, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC. If persistent mood changes, depressive episodes, elevated mood, mood swings, or other symptoms are affecting your daily life, schedule a psychiatric evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Contact Shamlock Behavioral Health to get started with mood disorder care in Glendale, Arizona.