What are the common types of mood disorders and how are they diagnosed?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect emotional state, with the two most common being depression (persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest) and bipolar disorder (alternating episodes of depression and mania). Diagnosis is made through a clinical evaluation, including a review of symptoms, personal and family history, and sometimes standardized questionnaires. Early identification improves treatment outcomes.

If you're noticing changes in your mood, energy, or motivation, don't wait to find answers. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what your symptoms may mean and guide your next steps—whether that's self-care, speaking with a doctor, or seeking specialist support. It takes only a few minutes, is completely confidential, and gives you clarity when you need it most.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if mood symptoms need care today Find likely causes of mood changes See if your mood symptoms are serious Find OTC options for mood-related symptoms Locate a doctor for mood disorders Learn home remedies for mood symptoms Understand if mood issues need urgent care

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Explanation

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect a person's emotional state. The most common types are depression and bipolar disorder.

Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and fatigue. Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Diagnosis of mood disorders involves a clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. They will ask about symptoms, how long they've lasted, and how they affect daily life. If you're unsure whether your symptoms may be related to a mood disorder, you can start by taking a free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be affecting you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mood disorders, it's important to seek help from a healthcare provider. For immediate support, visit 988lifeline.org.

(References)

Rakofsky J, & Rapaport M. (2018). Mood Disorders. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 29851879.
Minden SL. (2000). Mood disorders in multiple sclerosis: diagnosis and treatment. Journal of neurovirology, 10871806.
Angst J, Ajdacic-Gross V, & Rössler W. (2015). Classification of mood disorders. Psychiatria polska, 26488343.

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