Mood Disorders Specialist

All Services > Our Specialties > Women's Psychiatry > Mood Disorders

Depression Bipolar Disorder Mania Dysthymia Cyclothymia Seasonal Affective Disorder Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Using a personalized and collaborative approach we implement evidence-based medication and progressive psychotherapeutic treatment modalities to address depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and ADHD in adults.

What is a mood disorder?

If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty, or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania).

Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression. Mood disorders may increase your risk of suicide.

What are some examples of mood disorders?

• Major depressive disorder — prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadness
• Bipolar disorder — also called manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, depression that includes alternating times of depression and mania
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) — a long-term (chronic) form of depression
• Cyclothymia — a disorder that causes emotional ups and downs that are less extreme than bipolar disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early spring
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — mood changes and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of a woman's cycle and go away with the onset of menses

Our specialists at WCWCW can help. Call our office or request an appointment online today.

For most people, mood disorders can be successfully treated with medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).

When should I see a psychiatrist for mood disorders?

Your mood disorder is unlikely to simply go away on its own, and it may get worse over time. Seek professional help before your mood disorder becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on.

What treatments are available for depression and mood disorders?

Mood disorders are responsive to a variety of treatment methods.

Our team at WCWCW, in Bethesda, Maryland, has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating mood disorders in women of all ages. We are able to offer you the optimal mix of therapy and/or medication that will stabilize your moods and help you regain your capacity for living. We provide the same high-quality service via telehealth for patients living in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida. Call our office or request an appointment online today.