While everyone gets down sometimes and experiences a sense of excitement and emotional pleasure at other times, to be diagnosed with a Mood Disorder means that feelings must be in the extreme. People with mood disorders may experience a broad range of symptoms that may impact on their lives in many ways. The primary symptom is a persistent disturbance in mood; exaggerated, inappropriate, or a limited range of affect. It is important to remember that a person with a Mood Disorder cannot simply ‘snap out of it’. It is more than just a ‘bad mood’. On top of the symptoms there are a number of defining features that distinguish a mood disorder from other mental health disorders.
There are a number of evidence-based treatment options available for people suffering with a mood disorder. There are a number of psychological and pharmacological therapies available, depending on the severity of depression, different treatment can be prescribed to get the best long term results. Moreover, for more severe presentations, combined treatment approaches are more successful in improving outcomes.
Antidepressant medication are usually the first treatment provided for depression cases. They are fast acting and research has shown that approximately 50% of patients improve given that treatment is completed. However, people report frequently experiencing some side effects such as nausea, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
There are a number of psychological therapy options that have much success in treatment outcomes and lower relapse rates that those than were only treated with pharmacotherapy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying, challenging and changing the thoughts and behaviours that maintain the depressed mood. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships. Mindfulness-based CT focuses on training the mind to focus on the present. Furthermore, there is research to suggest that exercise may help with depressive symptoms as it has a positive effect on mood.
Here at Lakeside chiropractic we understand if you are suffering from a mood disorder and we are sensitive to your feelings. If you have back and/ or neck pain we are happy to provide assistance and empathy. A mood disorder does not affect any chiropractic treatment you may need. Just make the chiropractor aware of any mood disorder you may have so that we are aware of your needs.
Centrally located in Perth’s Northern suburb of Joondalup; Lakeside Chiropractic also cater to a wide range of visitors from various suburbs, such as: 6044- Lancelin; 6065- Ashby, Sinagra, Hocking, Darch; 6020- Carine, Sorrento, Hillarys, North Beach; 6030- Clarkson, Quinns Rocks, Merriwa, Ridgewood. HICAPS for all Major Health Insurance providers e.g. HCF, HBF, BUPA, NIB, SGIO and Medibank Preferred. Please feel free to contact us on 08 9300 0095 if you wish to discuss any of our services or to book an appointment; you can also visit our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book an appointment or for any further information.
