Mood Disorders

Symptoms can often present differently

Mood disorders can include but are not limited to Depression and Bipolar Disorder. These disorders can occur in children, adolescents and adults and can be caused by a variety of factors. There is a higher risk of developing a mood disorder if there is a family history but they can also be triggered by life events or stressors. While there can be typical fluctuations in mood and emotions for any individual, feelings tend to be more intense, persist for longer periods of time and interfere with one’s functioning in the case of mood disorders.

In children and adolescents, symptoms can often present differently and vary to a greater extent making it much harder to diagnose and distinguish from other psychiatric conditions. Diagnosis can also be complicated when younger patients have difficulty expressing their feelings and emotions and thus present with more behavioral symptoms.