Mood Disorders Specialist
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Soul Strength Medicine
Leslie Brocchini, MD
Board Certified in Integrative Medicine & Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Sonora, CA
Everyone experiences occasional changes in mood, and some of those changes can be incredibly disruptive. Mood disorders are different and require the care of a skilled professional like Leslie Brocchini, MD, of Soul Strength Medicine in Sonora, California. Dr. Brocchini has the expertise needed to assess your emotional health and determine the best path forward. If you or a loved one would like more information about this issue, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Mood Disorders Q & A
What are mood disorders?
A mood disorder is defined as a condition in which your emotional state is not in line with your immediate circumstances. Everyone goes through normal fluctuations in mood, sometimes reaching highs and lows within the same day. But mood disorders differ in that they aren’t linked to a specific event and persist over time. Left untreated, mood disorders can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and overall emotional stability.
How do I know if I have a mood disorder?
It can be hard to know the difference between a mood disorder and the normal ups and downs that come with a breakup, a promotion, a disappointment, or life’s worries. The most important thing to look for is the line where these emotions begin to get in the way of your normal daily routines.
There are many different types of mood disorders, each with a distinct set of symptoms. Some disorders are characterized by depressive episodes. Some symptoms might include:
- Overwhelming sadness
- Sleep disruptions
- Feelings of low self-worth
- Apathy
- Pervasive discontent
- Lack of pleasure when doing things you once enjoyed
Other mood disorders are characterized by periods of mania. These episodes might involve:
- Extreme elevated mood for no specific reason
- Rapid speech
- Frequent distraction
- Poor judgment
- Impulsivity
- Needing less sleep than usual
It’s not uncommon to move through phases of both depression and mania.
What are some diagnostic tools for mood disorders?
Dr. Brocchini will begin with a history and physical exam and lengthy discussion of your
Symptoms. She will likely run blood work and other more specialized functional medicine
testing that might explain your mood symptoms. This could be blood, saliva, urine or stool
testing, depending on your history.
Neurotransmitter testing is also available. This approach determines the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, among others.
The results of neurotransmitter testing can identify neurochemical imbalances that could affect mood disorders. This noninvasive diagnostic option is an excellent way to learn more about how your body and brain are functioning. The results are used to craft a customized treatment plan.
What are some treatments for mood disorders?
Medication might play a role in your treatment path, and there are certainly some mood disorders that respond well to pharmaceutical intervention. In most cases, however, Dr. Brocchini prefers to take an integrative health approach to treat mood disorders.
Very often, there are improvements to be had by making thoughtful changes to your daily lifestyle. Improving your diet can ensure you get the nutrients needed for both your mind and body to thrive. Increasing your physical activity levels can do wonders to reduce anxiety and depression.
Mood disorders vary in intensity and expression from one person to the next, so it makes sense that your treatment plan should be similarly nuanced. Dr. Brocchini works closely with you to find the treatment that best suits your specific set of needs.
That process begins with a one-on-one consultation, which you can book online at mindbodyonline.com, or over the phone.