Mood Disorders in Men

By Richard J. Capiola, MD

Men and women can both experience mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder. However, recognizing the signs and symptoms in men can be a bit tricky since men don’t always show a wide range of emotions. Often, a man suffering from depression might seem angry or aggressive instead of displaying sadness, for example. Diagnosis can be difficult too, because men don’t tend to talk about their feelings or seek treatment.

People suffering from mood disorders live in a state of exaggerated emotions. Their general emotional state or mood is not consistent with their circumstances and hinders their ability to live a normal life. They may be extremely sad, may feel empty or irritable, or have episodes of depression followed by excessive happiness. They may also suffer from crippling anxiety.

Two of the most common mood disorders include:
• Major depressive disorder – extreme sadness that lasts for long periods of time
• Bipolar disorder – characterized by prolonged periods of sadness followed by periods of extreme happiness (also called manic  depressive disorder)

As mentioned above, men are more likely to display their changes in mood in the form of irritability and/or anger and aggression. It is very common for them to feel frustrated easily. They may even feel like everyone is out to get them or is trying to make their life more difficult. These feelings are usually directed at family and friends, unfortunately. When men are in this “mood” they often don’t realize that their anger is unjustified or misdirected.

Signs of depression in men
Symptoms of depression will vary, of course, but the following are common in men:
• Anger
• Aggression
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
• Lack of sex drive or changes in performance
• Feeling empty or hopeless
• Sleeplessness
• Feeling overly tired
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical symptoms like headaches or muscle cramps
• High-risk activities
• Inability to keep up with work or family responsibilities
• Overeating or lack of appetite
• Withdrawal
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs

Signs of mania in men
• Extremely high energy
• Sex-drive that is through the roof and may result in risky behavior
• Little need for sleep
• Loud and very quick speech
• Highly elevated self-esteem
• Racing thoughts

Treatment of mood disorders
Mood disorders in men can be especially hard to treat because of the male gender roles in society. The expectation is that men should be strong and never show weakness. This makes living with a mood disorder especially difficult and getting treatment may be seen as a sign of weakness. For men who are willing to get help, there are various treatment options available.

Medications
Many healthcare providers will prescribe medications that help treat mood disorders.

Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common form of treatment. They usually take between 2 and 4 weeks to begin to take effect. It is very important to take these medications as they are prescribed and not to discontinue them abruptly when you feel better.

Mood stabilizers help, as the name suggests, stabilize your mood. They reduce abnormal activity going on in the brain that caused extreme mood swings. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with an antidepressant.

Antipsychotics are prescribed for those with bipolar disorder who suffer from depressive and manic episodes. Sometimes they are combined with antidepressants if those don’t control the depression on their own.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy seeks to treat mood disorders by talking about and identifying unhealthy emotions or behaviors. This type of therapy should be conducted by a trained professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The goal is that support and education will increase the patient’s ability to cope with their thoughts and emotions enabling them manage their behavior better.

There are several types of psychotherapy including: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Each is based on the idea that talking through emotional concerns can help the patient identify properly deal with their emotional triggers.

Treatment for mood disorders should be personalized. Everyone is different and there is not a “one size fits all” solution. For some men, therapy might be a sufficient solution, while others may need to try medications or a combination of both. What is important is to seek medical attention. Self-diagnosis and treatment can be dangerous. Trying to “be tough” and “suck it up” can be deadly. There is no shame in seeking help.

If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs of a mood disorder, there is help in SWFL. Dr. Richard Capiola, MD is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with specialty certifications in addiction and forensic psychiatry with over 31 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1990. Be sure to call ahead with Dr. Capiola to book an appointment.

Richard J. Capiola, MD
239.649.7494
704 Goodlette Frank Road North, Suite 222
Naples, Florida 34102