Understanding mood disorders
Mood disorders affect a person's emotional state in ways that go beyond everyday ups and downs. They include depressive disorders, bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and, in children, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD).
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and periods of mania or hypomania — times of unusually elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, or risky behavior. Because bipolar depression can look like ordinary depression, an accurate diagnosis is essential before starting treatment.
Mood disorders in young people
Mood symptoms in children and teens require especially careful evaluation, since irritability and mood changes can also be related to ADHD, anxiety, trauma, or normal development. Our child and adolescent psychiatry services include detailed history from parents and close follow-up.
How we help
- Comprehensive evaluation of mood history, family history, sleep, and substance use
- Mood-stabilizing and other medications when appropriate, with regular monitoring — including laboratory tests when needed
- Psychoeducation about early warning signs and relapse prevention
- Involvement of family members, with permission
- Coordination with therapists and primary care providers
Long-term, collaborative care
Care is provided by Vivienne Gomes, M.D., Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Emmanuel Sango, DNP, APRN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can see us in person at our office at 18310 Montgomery Village Ave in Gaithersburg, or by secure video if you are located in Maryland at the time of your appointment. See telepsychiatry in Maryland.