1930 Marlton Pike East, Suite O-75, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Jersey Behavioral Health 856-856-4499

Conditions we treat

Understanding mood disorders: depression and bipolar

Lasting changes in mood, energy or motivation can affect every part of life. Understanding the pattern is the first step toward the right care.

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Two different paths within the mood disorder picture

Use this overview to understand the broader category. The diagnosis-specific pages explain symptoms and treatment in more detail; an assessment helps clarify which picture fits.

  • Depressive disorders

    Explore major depression, persistent depressive disorder and other depressive presentations. This guide focuses on sustained low mood and loss of interest without assuming a history of mania.

    Explore depression treatment

  • Bipolar disorders

    Explore bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic patterns. A history of mania or hypomania is important even if depression is what brings you to treatment today.

    Explore bipolar disorder care

Understanding mood disorders

Look at the full pattern, not just today

Mood disorders is a broad term covering conditions involving depressive symptoms, elevated mood or both. It is not a single diagnosis, and ordinary ups and downs do not automatically mean a disorder.

An assessment considers symptoms over time, sleep and energy changes, medications, substance use and physical health. A history of mania or hypomania changes the treatment approach, even when depression is the main concern today.

The survey figures are historical national estimates, not current New Jersey rates. A mood disorder diagnosis requires assessment of symptoms and their course over time.

Mood disorders by the numbers

9.7%
U.S. adults with any mood disorder in the prior 12 months in the 2001–2003 NCS-R survey. [1]
21.4%
Lifetime prevalence of any mood disorder among U.S. adults in that historical survey. [1]
8.3%
U.S. adults reporting a major depressive episode in the past year in the separate 2021 NSDUH. [2]

Signs that support may help

  • Persistent low mood

    Sadness, emptiness or hopelessness that changes daily functioning.

  • Loss of pleasure

    Activities and relationships feel less rewarding.

  • Unusual energy shifts

    Periods of heightened activity or energy unlike your usual self.

  • Changes in sleep

    Oversleeping, insomnia or needing very little sleep while feeling energized.

  • Thinking and behavior changes

    Slowed thinking, racing thoughts or unusually impulsive decisions.

  • Recurring episodes

    Symptoms return in recognizable patterns over weeks, months or seasons.

  • Every plan is personal.

    You'll build coping skills, emotional regulation and relapse prevention strategies.

Your path to care

A personalized plan that treats both the mind and the body.

  1. Map your history

    Review depressive and elevated episodes, sleep, family history and past treatments.

  2. Clarify the diagnosis

    Assess bipolar features and rule out other contributors.

  3. Coordinate treatment

    Discuss psychotherapy and psychiatric evaluation based on the diagnosis.

  4. Strengthen routines

    Track mood and protect consistent sleep and daily structure.

  5. Plan for early warning signs

    Create a response plan with your care team and trusted supports.

Clinical review

  • Prepared for review by Mark Sigmund, MA, LPC, CCDP, Clinical Director
  • Clinical review is pending
  • Informed by the sources listed below
  • Educational information, not a diagnosis

Find the right level of support

Our team can assess whether PHP, IOP or Virtual IOP fits your needs. When specialist or more intensive treatment is needed, ask about referral options. Program fit and availability are confirmed during assessment.

856-856-4499

Conditions we treat

Conditions within the mood disorder picture

  • Major depressive disorder

    Depressive episodes with low mood or lost interest and other symptoms affecting daily life.

  • Persistent depressive disorder

    Long-lasting depressive symptoms that require a careful history.

  • Bipolar I disorder

    A history of a manic episode distinguishes bipolar I, whether or not depression also occurs.

  • Bipolar II disorder

    Hypomanic and major depressive episodes, without a history of mania.

  • Cyclothymic disorder

    Longer-term fluctuations involving hypomanic and depressive symptoms below full episode thresholds.

  • Patterns and contributors

    Seasonal patterns, substances, medications and medical conditions can affect mood and need assessment.

Treatment approaches to discuss

Your clinician can explain which approaches fit your needs and which may require specialist care.

  • CBT

    Develop skills for unhelpful thinking patterns and daily functioning.

  • Behavioral activation

    Rebuild meaningful activity when depression reduces motivation.

  • Psychiatric care

    Discuss diagnosis-specific medication options and monitoring.

  • Psychoeducation

    Recognize episode patterns and make a relapse-response plan.

Insurance we work with

We work with most major plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Horizon BCBSNJ, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Optum. We'll verify your benefits for free, usually the same day.

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  • Anthem insurance logo
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance logo
  • Cigna insurance logo
  • UnitedHealthcare insurance logo
  • Optum insurance logo
  • Carelon insurance logo
  • Harvard Pilgrim insurance logo
  • UMR insurance logo
  • Horizon BCBSNJ
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Beacon
  • Compsych
  • Health Net
  • Independence Administrators
  • Carefirst

Getting started

  1. 1

    Reach out

    Contact our Admissions Team 24/7 or fill out a brief online form to verify insurance and begin the process.

  2. 2

    Complete a pre-screen

    We'll assess your needs and match you with a personalized treatment plan developed by licensed professionals.

  3. 3

    Start healing

    Schedule your initial intake evaluation and meet your treatment team, often within 24 hours of reaching out.

Frequently asked questions

Are mood disorders and bipolar disorder the same?

No. Bipolar disorders are part of the broader mood disorder picture. Depression can occur without a history of mania or hypomania.

Can physical health affect mood?

Yes. Thyroid conditions, medications, substance use and other factors can produce mood symptoms. Assessment may include medical evaluation.

Why does a history of high energy matter?

Mania or hypomania can indicate bipolar disorder and change medication and treatment decisions.

Which level of care do I need?

The right level depends on safety, symptom severity and daily functioning, not the diagnostic label alone.

Sources

  1. [1] National Institute of Mental Health. Any mood disorder, NCS-R estimates. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-mood-disorder
  2. [2] National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression, 2021 estimates. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
  3. [3] National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

Treatment can be life changing. Reach out today.

We'll verify your benefits for free and schedule a confidential assessment.

856-856-4499

In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911.

Prepared for clinical review by Mark Sigmund, MA, LPC, CCDP, Clinical Director. Review pending. This page is for information only and is not medical advice.

Jersey Behavioral Health · 1930 Marlton Pike East, Suite O-75, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Serving Cherry Hill and South Jersey

Our Cherry Hill office is an easy drive from towns across Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties, and our virtual IOP is open to adults anywhere in New Jersey. Clients come to us from: