What Is a Mood Disorder Clinic?

Mood disorder clinics help diagnose and treat patients with mood disorders and mental illness. Evaluations include those by psychiatrists and psychologists to help assess patients suffering from mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Treatment can include inpatient and outpatient services, such as psychotherapy sessions, medication, and support groups.

Clinics that treat mood disorders can be found in a variety of settings. Local and regional hospital networks often provide services for those in specific areas or suffering from specific conditions. Mood disorder clinics can also be found through local health departments and treatment facilities.

Psychiatrists and psychologists help evaluate the mental health of patients referred to a mood disorder clinic. They diagnose mood disorders based on the careful review of a patient’s history and current symptoms. After reviewing a patient’s medical and personal history, a psychiatrist or psychologist may recommend specific treatment to help the patient cope with a mood disorder.

Various mood disorders are treatable by professionals at a mood disorder clinic. These disorders have an affect on a person’s general mood or emotional health. Depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are some of the most common disorders treated at a mood disorder clinic.

Mood disorders can also coexist with other mental illnesses which require treatment, and a mood disorder clinic is usually prepared to handle these conditions as well. Mental disorders that can occur alongside a mood disorder, possibly as the root cause of mood related disorders, include anxiety, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Other disorders that can affect mood include drug addiction and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the mood disorder and the type of mood disorder diagnosed in a patient. Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, can be prescribed to help improve symptoms. These medications can also help improve the outcome of psychotherapy sessions.

Psychotherapy offered at a mood disorder clinic helps patients develop life-long coping skills to improve overall mental health and mood. These sessions encourage the sharing of information with a therapist to talk through feelings and thoughts as well as analyze behavior. Depending on the severity of the mood disorder, psychotherapy can be short or long-term. Psychotherapy sessions may also take place on an individual level or in a group setting. Group therapy sessions often help patients recognize that they are not alone in the battle.