If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function normally. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania). Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression. Mood disorders may increase your risk of suicide. Some examples of mood disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder — prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadness
• Bipolar disorder — also called bipolar affective disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes
• Cyclothymic disorder — a disorder that causes emotional ups and downs that are less extreme than bipolar disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder — mood changes and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of a woman’s cycle and go away with the onset of menses
• Depression related to medical illness — a persistent depressed mood and a significant loss of pleasure in most or all activities that’s directly related to the physical effects of another medical condition

For most people, mood disorders can be successfully treated with medications and talk therapy. If you’re concerned that you may have a mood disorder, make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. If you’re reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, or someone else you trust. Some of the symptoms of mood disorder include:

• Feel like your emotions are interfering with your work, relationships, social activities or other parts of your life
• Have trouble with drinking or drugs
• Have suicidal thoughts or behaviours