Depression & Mood Disorders

Depression & Mood Disorder Treatment in Boca Raton & Weston, FL

If you or your child is experiencing persistent sadness, mood changes, irritability, loss of interest in daily activities, or symptoms of bipolar disorder, Dr. Priti Kothari provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for depression and mood disorders in Boca Raton and Weston, FL. As a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, Dr. Kothari offers personalized psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related conditions. Serving patients throughout Boca Raton, Weston, Delray Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida, she develops individualized treatment plans that may include medication management, psychotherapy referrals, and collaboration with families, therapists, pediatricians, schools, and other healthcare providers to promote long-term emotional wellness and improved daily functioning.

Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders are a category of mental illnesses that involve a significant change in mood. Although the average age of onset is 30, mood disorders can affect people of any age, including children and the elderly. Listed below are categories of the same mood disorders; however it is important to note mood disorders can have a variable clinical profile and diversity.  Symptoms listed below are general in nature are a guide to introduce and educate patients of various mood disorders but a full clinical evaluation and close follow up are needed frequently in child psychiatry to understand the nature of a mood disorder better.

Depression can describe a normal human emotion, but those with clinical depression have a cluster of symptoms that can last all day and can persist for at least two weeks and cause difficulty in everyday life.  Children can and do experience depression, though it may present differently than it can in adults.

Symptoms can include:

• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Sense of hopelessness
• Low self esteem
• Overall feelings of inadequacy, feelings of being misunderstood
• Irritability, clinginess, worry, tearfulness, guilt, or excessive anger
• Avoidance of social activities
• Refusal to go to school
• Loss of appetite or overeating, often with weight change
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Poor concentration and lack of productivity, or drop in school grades
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide or self-harm
• Unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or pain

Dysthymia is a mild, but chronic, form of depression that often lasts longer than two years. Biochemical, genetic, and environmental factors may all play a part in causing dysthymia.

Symptoms include:

• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Sense of hopelessness
• Overly critical
• Low self esteem
• Overall feelings of inadequacy
• Irritability or excessive anger
• Avoidance of social activities
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Sleep problems
• Difficulty making decisions
• Poor concentration and lack of productivity

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes major changes in a person’s mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. Those with bipolar disorder often have periods of mania (feeling very happy or "up") followed by periods of depression (feeling very sad or "down"). Children do commonly go through normal emotional ups and downs, but bipolar disorder is different. Symptoms are strong and can make it difficult for children to do well in school and form relationships with family and friends. The causes of bipolar disorder are not clearly understood, but it appears to have a genetic component along with environmental and lifestyle factors that play a large role in the severity of symptoms. Sleep deprivation, substance abuse, and attempted self-harm can significantly complicate the disorder.

Symptoms of mania include:

• Extreme happiness
• Acting silly in manner that is unusual for them or age inappropriate
• Unrealistic heights of self esteem
• Surge in energy
• Increase in talking
• Risk taking, including taking sexual risks
• Distractibility
• Short temper

Symptoms of depression include:

• Having little or no interest in fun activities
• Decrease energy levels, listlessness
• Boredom
• Changes in appetite or eating habits
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Complaints of physical illnesses
• Social isolation
• Sleeping too much or too little

Why Choose Dr. Kothari for Depression & Mood Disorders in South Florida?

Patients and families across Boca Raton, Weston, and South Florida choose Dr. Priti Kothari for compassionate, evidence-based treatment of depression and mood disorders. Board certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry, Dr. Kothari performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to accurately diagnose depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and related mood disorders while identifying any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or behavioral disorders. She creates personalized treatment plans that may include medication management, coordination with psychologists and therapists, and ongoing collaboration with families, schools, and primary care providers. Her goal is to help children, teens, and adults achieve improved emotional stability, healthier relationships, stronger academic or workplace performance, and a better quality of life.

Depression & Mood Disorders FAQs

What are the signs of depression in children and adults?

Symptoms may include persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, low self-esteem, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, social withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, or declining school or work performance. Children may also become more clingy, irritable, or refuse to attend school.

What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder?

Depression involves ongoing periods of low mood, while bipolar disorder includes episodes of depression alternating with periods of unusually elevated mood, increased energy, or irritability known as mania or hypomania. An accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment approaches differ.

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

Dr. Kothari performs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that reviews medical history, symptoms, family history, emotional functioning, and daily life to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How are depression and mood disorders treated?

Treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing psychiatric follow-up. Many patients benefit from a combination of medication and therapy tailored to their individual needs.

Can children and teenagers develop depression or bipolar disorder?

Yes. Mood disorders can affect children and adolescents as well as adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and support healthy emotional development.

When should I seek psychiatric care for depression?

You should seek an evaluation if symptoms persist for two weeks or longer, interfere with school, work, relationships, or daily activities, or if there are concerns about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or significant changes in mood or behavior.

Schedule a Depression & Mood Disorder Evaluation in Boca Raton or Weston, FL

If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder, early evaluation and treatment can lead to better long-term outcomes. Dr. Priti Kothari provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and individualized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults throughout Boca Raton, Weston, Delray Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida. Contact our Boca Raton or Weston office today to schedule an appointment and begin a personalized treatment plan focused on improving emotional well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.