Is Anxiety a Mood Disorder?
Anxiety is a normal emotional reaction in response to stressful situations. Anxiety is not a mood disorder; it is a feeling that all people will experience at some time in their lives. However, it is atypical for an individual to experience frequent, intense, debilitating, persistent worries and/ or fears related to everyday situations, and such anxiety could be indicative of an anxiety disorder. Regardless, although anxiety does affect the mood, it is not considered a mood disorder because anxiety is not directly related to mood. Anxiety can lead to similar symptoms that present with various mood disorders (e.g. fear, hopelessness, sadness, etc.), but mood disorders are psychological conditions that bring about severe mood changes in an individual, which anxiety does not. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “anxiety refers to anticipation of a future concern and is more associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior.”
MOOD DISORDERS
A mood disorders, also known as an affective disorder, is a mental health class that is used to broadly describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders. The Mayo Clinic asserts, “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.” Mood disorders that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) include, but are not limited to the following:
Major depressive disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Bipolar disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Depression induced by substance use or medication
Depression related to medical illness
Mood disorders can often be successfully treated. A customized treatment plan will be developed that is specific to each individual so as to ensure all nuanced needs are met. Depending on the needs of the individual, treatment plans could include psychotherapy and in some cases medication (e.g. antidepressants, mood stabilizing medication, etc.). It is important to note that although anxiety is not considered a mood disorder, people with anxiety disorder are at an increased risk for developing a mood disorder, especially when one’s anxiety goes untreated.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.