Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state — causing persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, irritability, or extreme mood swings that interfere with daily life. They are among the most common psychiatric conditions, yet are frequently misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Unlike ordinary mood fluctuations tied to life events, mood disorders involve changes in brain chemistry and functioning that don’t simply resolve on their own. The good news: with proper evaluation and treatment, most people experience significant improvement and lasting stability.
Treating depression requires knowing exactly what kind of depression we’re dealing with. The wrong medication can worsen certain types of mood disorders.
At McLean Psychiatry & Wellness, we take time to understand the full picture. Because mood disorders exist on a spectrum and are frequently misdiagnosed, accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Ashly McLean, PMHNP-BC, combines a thorough clinical evaluation with evidence-based medication management and psychoeducation.
We take a complete psychiatric history, review prior diagnoses, and use validated mood assessment tools to ensure accuracy before starting any treatment.
Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants (used carefully in bipolar) — dosing is optimized over time based on your response and tolerability.
Mood disorders require consistent follow-up. We track your mood patterns, adjust medications, and respond quickly if symptoms change.
Understanding your diagnosis empowers you. We help you recognize early warning signs, build protective routines, and communicate your needs to loved ones.
Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as depression alone. Treating bipolar disorder with antidepressants without a mood stabilizer can actually trigger manic episodes or rapid cycling — making symptoms significantly worse.
This is why a thorough evaluation that explores your full mood history — including past episodes of elevated mood, decreased sleep, or impulsive behavior — is essential before prescribing.
Based on the evaluation, we’ll discuss your diagnosis (or working diagnosis) in plain language — what it means, how it affects you, and what treatment looks like.
If you are in crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Many people with bipolar disorder are initially diagnosed with depression because they seek help during depressive episodes. The key difference is the presence of past hypomanic or manic episodes — periods of unusually elevated mood, decreased sleep, increased energy, or impulsive behavior. Our intake evaluation specifically explores this history.
Medication is typically the foundation of mood disorder treatment, especially for bipolar spectrum conditions where mood stabilizers are essential. We also incorporate psychoeducation, lifestyle guidance, and coping strategies into every treatment plan. Referrals to therapists who specialize in CBT or DBT can further enhance outcomes.
It depends on the diagnosis and your response to treatment. Some patients with a single depressive episode may taper off medication after 12–24 months. Bipolar disorder typically requires longer-term or indefinite medication to prevent relapse. We discuss this openly and revisit it regularly.
Yes — telehealth is highly effective for psychiatric medication management, including mood disorders. It allows for frequent, convenient follow-ups which are critical for mood monitoring. Research consistently shows equivalent outcomes to in-person psychiatric care for stable patients.
Yes. We treat adolescents aged 13 and older. Mood disorders can and do emerge in teenage years, and early intervention significantly improves long-term outcomes. We work collaboratively with parents and guardians as part of the care team.
