Mood disorders are a category of mental health issues characterized by extreme, persistent changes in mood. The two main types are depressive disorders and bipolar disorder. Depressive disorders involve feeling sad, empty, or irritable in addition to other symptoms like changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration etc. Examples include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Depressive disorders negatively impact people's quality of life and ability to function. On the other hand, bipolar disorder causes alternate episodes of mania (high/irritable mood) and depression. The elevated mood comes with risky behaviors, impulsiveness, and rage. Then the low mood brings deep sadness, emptiness, suicidal thoughts etc. Together, these extreme swings in mood characterize bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. Proper management is required to stabilize mood. Many factors contribute to mood disorders - genetics, brain chemistry, hormones, stress, trauma, medical problems etc. Getting an accurate diagnosis involves tracking symptoms over time and ruling out other conditions. Doctors may order blood tests, especially to check hormone levels like thyroid, cortisol etc. Treatment for mood disorders often includes: