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Mood Disorders and their Influence on Addiction

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 9.7% of all American adults suffered from a mood disorder in the past year. A study from the Medical University of South Carolina also revealed that mood disorders were a common psychiatric condition among those with a substance abuse disorder. What is a mood disorder, and why is it essential to visit a mood disorder treatment center in Hanover, PA? We’ll answer those and some other common questions related to mood disorders below.

What is a Mood Disorder?

Everyone gets in a bad mood every once in a while; it’s just part of life. After having a bad day, most people can quickly bounce back. However, those with a mood disorder experience severe changes that affect their ability to function. These changes generally take on one of three forms: depression, mania, and bipolar. Other mood disorders include Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and dysthymia, a chronic, long-term type of depression.

Signs of a Mood Disorder

After asking, “what is a mood disorder?” the next thing people want to know is how to recognize them. A physician may diagnose you with a mood disorder if your mood is more intense than usual and also interferes with your daily activities. Some signs that you or a loved one is suffering from this include:

  • Extreme feelings of hopelessness
  • Feeling empty
  • Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Feeling lethargic; lacking energy
  • Suicidal thoughts

Influence on Addiction

Although they can answer the question “what is a mood disorder?” scientists are still not sure what causes them. Even so, one thing they do know is that mood disorders can increase one’s risk of drug or alcohol abuse. In particular, depression can cause people to desire illicit substances to mask their feelings. Others may begin abusing the prescription medications they were given to control bipolar or another mood disorder. Self-medicating through drugs or alcohol will not provide you with long-term relief of a mood disorder. Do not allow a mood disorder to prevent you from leading a rewarding, sober life when we can provide help for both of these problems at The Ranch PA.

Treating Mood Disorders and Addiction

The exact method of treating mood disorders varies based upon the type of condition and its severity. Doctors often prescribe medication for anyone suffering from depression or bipolar disorder. A depression treatment program or anxiety therapy program can provide specialized care. These programs often implement cognitive behavioral therapy to help people better control their mood disorders. Mood disorders are not always permanent. Some last only a short time, while others will come and go throughout a lifetime. Regardless, it’s crucial to treat mood disorders and addiction concurrently if you are to have the best possible chance of reaching sobriety.

Our Programs

Aside from answering questions we also provide several services such as:

Here at The Ranch PA, we provide gender-specific treatment to better address the needs of men and women. Our experience has shown that people feel more secure when surrounded only by members of their sex. We also tailor our programs, including medication, to best suit each individual. By customizing your program, we can provide you with the best possible opportunity to get and stay sober.

Help for Mood Disorders in Hanover, PA

Are you wondering, “what is a mood disorder, and how do I treat it?” If so, you’ll find numerous resources available to help you here at The Ranch PA. Don’t let it drive you to substance abuse or hinder your efforts in getting clean. Contact us at 717.969.9126 to speak with an intake specialist who can help steer you in the right direction.

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