Moods are a psychological state of mind, and are different from personality. Personality traits linger, varying very little over decades, while moods tend to not remain rigid. A mood is best described as both a general and an internal state of feeling. People have good moods and bad moods, and these moods can and should change. Everyone experiences variations in their mood. If a person has mood shifts that are mild and the shifts occur only on occasion, then they are absolutely typical and normal, even healthy. 

There are times when we can pinpoint to exactly what puts us in a good mood, like seeing a dear friend or accomplishing a project, while other times we can just feel good without a specific reason. Similarly, there are things that can trigger a bad mood, like doing poorly on an exam or hearing that someone is ill. Variations in mood mean that we are responding to our environment and to meaningful social interactions. However, mood shifts may be more intense and the intensity of the mood may linger. On occasion, intense moods are warranted. Strange, difficult, or unexpected events can cause significant mood shifts, and reacting to these life events is very human. In sum, mood changes are usually fine and healthy.

There are times, though, when a mood seems stuck for an inordinate amount of time, or mood shifting, or cycling, takes place. These types of mood changes, an especially harsh change in mood or a recurring cycling mood, can be indicative of a serious problem. It is an even more serious problem if the person with the mood shifts, or those around them, are unaware or unwilling to address the mood changes they experience.

When a person’s mood seems stuck in euphoria or a depression, or when moods shift between the two or between a normal mood state and one of the two extremes, this may indicate a mood disorder. Very low moods may indicate depression, while high or irritable moods suggest mania. Feeling stuck, down, weepy, unable to accomplish simple tasks because of overwhelming lethargy are all indications of a depressed mood. A sense of invincibility, excessive power, drive, not having a need to sleep, a feeling that anything can be accomplished because no one knows more or is more capable, or unexplained agitation and anger, may all be indicative of a manic state. These symptoms, as well as others, may be natural in short bursts and in response to specific events, but are not normal if they last for long periods of time.

Mood disorders present in a number of different ways and range in severity and intensity. Most people are familiar with the terms depression and bipolar disorder. Depressive moods range from mild to severe. They can be chronic or low grade and annoying, called Dysthymia, or they can be extremely severe and debilitating. Similarly, there are several types of bipolar mood disorders. They range from a mild mood shift, called Cyclothymia, to severe mood changes sometimes accompanied with psychotic features, including hallucinations and delusions.

Mood disorders first occur most often between the ages of 15-25, though they can occur at a younger or older age. The prevalence of mood disorders has been reported to be 9.5% of the general population. Several years ago, some research suggested that among Ashkenazi Jews there was a slightly higher rate of mood disorders. That finding has not proven to be definitive and may simply be an artifact due to a higher rate of Ashkenazi Jews with a mood disorder who sought professional aid for their problems.

Regardless of the age of onset, the type of mood shifts experienced, or the intensity first felt, it is important to seek help and treatment as soon as possible. Mood disorders respond well to the proper treatment, particularly if treatment begins as soon as possible to the first serious mood event. At this point, we may not know how to cure a mood disorder, but we have the tools to treat and control them.

Most mood disorders respond well to a combination of medication and psychotherapy. There are a number of useful medications and the proper physician should be consulted to help find the most effective ones for a particular individual. Similarly, therapy and psycho-education focused on explaining the symptoms and course of the disorder and addressing steps to maintain awareness and control are needed to help alleviate the severity of the disorder. Psychotropic medication and specific types of psychotherapy have proven to have long-term positive outcomes in treating mood disorders. When caught early and treated appropriately, a mood disorder need not become an overwhelming threat.

Dr. Michael J. Salamon is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and the author of numerous articles and books, most recently “Abuse in the Jewish Community” (Urim Publications).