MOOD AND THOUGHT DISORDER TREATMENT

At Mission Prep, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate treatment for adolescents struggling with mood and thought disorders. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment at intake, which includes looking at various attachment styles, working with the family system, and providing psychoeducation to our clients and their families.

adolescent girl being comforted while in need of mood and thought disorder treatment for teens
adolescent girl being comforted while in need of mood and thought disorder treatment for teens
adolescent girl being comforted while in need of mood and thought disorder treatment for teens

MOOD AND THOUGHT

We work to help our clients understand that they are not their diagnosis and that a variety of factors have influenced their way of being. We assess their motivation to face and interact with what they are struggling with and build in sustainable long-term plans to address their specific needs.

Our team understands that a long-term care plan is critical for successful management of mood and thought disorders. We help our clients understand that they can have a very enriched life with their diagnosis, but it will require a long-term commitment to their care team and their families.

Understanding Mood and Thought Disorder

Mood disorders and thought disorders are distinct but often co-occurring mental health conditions that can significantly impact a teenager’s emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and overall quality of life. While mood disorders primarily affect an individual’s emotional state, thought disorders involve disruptions in thought processes and perception.

Common mood and thought disorders include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. It can lead to significant impairments in daily functioning, including changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
  • Bipolar Disorder: A mood disorder that involves episodes of both depression and mania or hypomania. During depressive episodes, individuals may experience symptoms similar to MDD. Manic episodes are marked by elevated mood, increased activity, and sometimes risky behavior. Hypomania is a milder form of mania.
  • Schizophrenia: A thought disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, experiencing symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired cognitive function.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A thought disorder characterized by unwanted, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with daily activities and cause distress.
  • Psychotic Depression: A subtype of major depressive disorder where severe depression is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations. The psychotic symptoms often have a depressive theme, such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness.

The exact causes of mood disorders and thought disorders are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of factors may contribute to their development:

  • Brain Chemistry Imbalances: Abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, can play a role in the development of mood disorders.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Having a family history of mood disorders or thought disorders increases the risk of developing these conditions.
  • Environmental Factors: Chronic stress, traumatic experiences, and adverse life events can trigger or exacerbate mood disorders and thought disorders.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mood disorders or thought disorders in teenagers:

  • Family History: Having a relative with a mood disorder or thought disorder increases the risk.
  • Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to stressful situations can contribute to the development of mood disorders.
  • Traumatic Experiences: Exposure to abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events can trigger mood disorders or thought disorders.
  • Substance Abuse: Drug and alcohol use can increase the risk of developing mood disorders and thought disorders.

 

Parents, educators, and healthcare providers need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mood disorders and thought disorders in teenagers, as early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes

Mood disorders in teens can manifest through various symptoms that impact their emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and overall quality of life. These symptoms may differ depending on the specific mood disorder and the individual’s biological makeup. Some common signs and symptoms of mood disorders in teenagers include:

  • Intense and Persistent Changes in Mood: Teens with mood disorders may experience sad, depressed, irritable, angry, or elevated moods that are more intense than usual, last longer, or occur more frequently.
  • Difficulty with Family and Social Relationships: Mood disorders can lead to challenging behavior, trouble with family, and difficulty with friends and peers.
  • Changes in Sleep, Eating Patterns, or Weight: Teens may experience alterations in their sleep or eating habits, as well as fluctuations in weight.
  • Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue may be indicative of a mood disorder.
  • Academic Struggles: Mood disorders can cause a lack of motivation, difficulty achieving in school, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  • Low Self-Esteem and Feelings of Worthlessness: Teens with mood disorders may experience guilt or low self-esteem.
  • Severe Temper Outbursts: Recurrent, severe temper outbursts can be a sign of a mood disorder.
  • Suicidal thoughts or expressions: Any expressions of suicidal thoughts should be evaluated immediately.

The Benefits of Residential Mood Disorder Treatment Programs

By offering a structured environment and around-the-clock care, individuals can focus entirely on their healing journey. Below are six key benefits of participating in a residential mood disorder treatment program.

STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT

Provides a controlled and structured setting, reducing external stressors and promoting stability.

24/7 CARE AND SUPPORT

Access to professional care and support around the clock, ensuring immediate assistance if needed.

COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PLANS

Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and conditions.

PEER SUPPORT

Opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and support.

FOCUSED HEALING

Dedicated time and space for focusing on recovery without the distractions of daily life.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Teaches practical skills for managing symptoms, stress, and improving overall mental health.

young girl crying with her face in her hands while in need of mood and thought disorder treatment for teens

MORE ABOUT OUR THOUGHT AND MOOD DISORDER TREATMENT FOR TEENS

We also recognize the importance of building a sense of belonging and connection for our clients. Our team works to ensure that adolescents struggling with mood and thought disorders feel the same as their peers and receive the same level of care and attention.

We offer a range of treatment options, including individual, family, and group therapy, as well as evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems. Our goal is to provide personalized and effective treatment that meets the unique needs of each individual.

At our center, we believe that with the right support and treatment, adolescents struggling with mood and thought disorders can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. Contact us to learn more about our approach to treating mood and thought disorders in adolescents.

WE CAN HELP

OUR FACILITIES

Our facilities are an important part of the treatment process at Mission Prep. We believe it’s critical for our clients to have a safe and welcoming environment to build the tools they need to facilitate healing. Our modern and welcoming homes provide stability for adolescents who need a healthy place to develop and practice strategies to help lay the foundation for sustainable healing.

Mood and Thought Disorder FAQ

Yes, teenagers may exhibit different symptoms or behaviors compared to adults. For example, teens with depression may show increased irritability rather than sadness. Early intervention is crucial as these disorders can impact academic performance, social interactions, and development.

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This may include clinical interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes physical exams to rule out other causes.

While many mood and thought disorders are not curable, they are treatable. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals can manage symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives. Early and consistent treatment improves the chances of positive outcomes.