People all over the world live with mood disorders every day. Increased understanding of brain chemistry, emotions, and symptoms of mood disorders has greatly increased their diagnosis. Unfortunately, many of today’s teenagers struggle with mood disorders. Many teens have trouble asking for help or understanding the signs and symptoms of mood disorders. Today’s parents can help by looking for signs of mood disorders and getting their teen help from a mood disorder treatment program.

If your teen is struggling with signs of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for help. Learn more about our holistic teen mood disorder treatment program in North Carolina today. Our staff is ready to answer your questions at 866.300.5275 now.

What Is a Mood Disorder?

A mood disorder or mood affective disorder is a condition that affects mood and behavior. Some mood disorders are temporary, while others are chronic conditions. There are several types of mood disorders that affect people of all ages.

Depressive Mood Disorder

Depressive mood disorders are common. There are many types of depression, ranging from general depressive disorder to seasonal affective disorder. Generally, various types of depression are classified by a feeling of sadness or hopelessness and a lack of interest in activities. Teens struggling with depression may self-isolate, lose interest in favorite activities, and experience changes in sleep. Other signs of depression include:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Trouble concentrating
• Easily agitated

Bipolar Mood Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder. Like depression, those with bipolar disorder experience depressive states. They also experience high-energy mania. People with bipolar disorder tend to move quickly from depression to mania. To outsiders, their behavior seems erratic and confusing.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorders

Substance use and abuse alter a person’s brain chemistry, which can cause drug or alcohol-induced mood disorders. Different types of drugs depress the nervous system while others speed up processing. No matter the type of substance, it can induce and mimic other types of mood disorders.

Multiple types of each mood disorder may make it hard for home diagnosis and treatment. However, general shifts in behavior, changes in grades, and a lack of interest in favorite hobbies could mean your teen is struggling. Professional diagnosis and treatment is the best way to support teens living with mood disorders.

Mood Disorder Treatment for Teens

Today’s teens live high-stress lives. Social, economic, and family pressure can make it hard for teens to stay grounded. Mood disorders and substance abuse are increasingly common. Luckily, so are treatment programs specifically for teens. Mood disorder treatment often combines psychotherapy with medical assistance when necessary. A psychotherapist can diagnose and treat mood disorders. Treatment centers also provide teens with group counseling, nutrition counseling, and alternative therapies to help them adapt to stress and work towards a more balanced life.

Today, nearly half of people living with addiction have co-occurring disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorder treatment can decrease addiction triggers and help people better understand their addiction and mental health. A comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program is the best way to treat addiction and mood disorders holistically.

Find Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Unfortunately, mental health treatment can be complex. If you or a teen in your life is struggling with a mood disorder, Foothills can help. Our North Carolina-based treatment program for adolescent males provides dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mood disorders. With both traditional and alternative therapies, the young males at Foothills enjoy group, family, and individual therapy alongside equine-assisted therapy. If your family is ready to explore what Foothill can do for your teen, call us today at 866.300.5275 to learn more.