Mood Disorders

In any given year in the United States, one in five adults succumbs to mental illness, and mood disorders make up a large share of these diagnoses. At River Hills Family Medicine, Lori Naglieri, MD, offers experienced and compassionate care for patients in Austin and Leander, Texas, that helps them regain control over their lives. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or insomnia, call for an appointment or use the online scheduling tool.

Mood Disorders Q & A

What are the most common mood disorders?

Far and away the most common mood disorder is major depressive disorder, which affects more than 16 million adults in the US. There are many other forms of depression, including:

Persistent depressive disorder
Postpartum depression
Seasonal affective disorder
Bipolar disorder

Mood disorders can also develop as a result of drug or alcohol misuse or as side effects of certain medications, such as chemotherapy for cancer.

What are the most common symptoms of a mood disorder?

The most common signs that you may be struggling with depression include:

Overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, or guilt
Loss of interest in pursuits you once enjoyed
Insomnia
Weight loss or weight gain
Increasing isolation
Irritability

Depressive disorders affect people in a variety of ways, which means there isn’t a definitive checklist of symptoms. That said, the hallmark of depression is the sadness and loss of hope that can be crippling.

What are anxiety disorders?

While depression is the primary mood disorder, anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults. Anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Phobias also fall under anxiety disorders and include any irrational fear you may have toward something, which can range from spiders to social events.

What are the signs of an anxiety disorder?

The primary red flags that an anxiety disorder may be affecting you include:

Nervousness
A feeling of doom
Racing or pounding heart rate
Sweating
Trembling
Trouble sleeping

Here again, these symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg, as anxiety disorders can affect people in myriad ways, but the list above should help guide you.

How are mood and anxiety disorders treated?

When it comes to mental health issues, no two people are alike, which is why Dr. Naglieri treats these disorders on a case-by-case basis. She may turn to:

Medications
Counseling and therapy
Lifestyle changes

Dr. Naglieri understands the impact that a mental health issue can have on your life, so she works with you until you regain control and find peace.

How is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated?

At River Hills Family Medicine, Dr. Naglieri doesn’t diagnose ADHD, which is a complicated process that’s best left to ADHD experts. What the team at River Hills Family Medicine provides is expert oversight of the condition and medication management.

If you suspect you or a loved one may have a mood disorder or mental health issue, call River Hills Family Medicine or request a consultation using the online booking tool.