Mood Disorder Treatment in Texas - DFW, Houston, Austin and Beyond

How common are mood disorders?

NIMH estimates that approximately 21.4% of U.S. adults will experience a mood disorder at some point in their lifetime. Major depressive disorder is the most common, affecting roughly 8.3% of adults in any given year. Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of adults, with most cases being severe.

What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder?

Both involve depressive episodes that can look identical. The distinction is whether the person has ever had a manic or hypomanic episode. Bipolar I disorder requires at least one full manic episode. Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode. Untreated bipolar depression treated with antidepressants alone can trigger mania. This is why thorough evaluation before prescribing antidepressants is so important.

What mood stabilizers does Lyte Psychiatry prescribe?

Lyte Psychiatry providers prescribe lithium, valproate (Depakote), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and atypical antipsychotics with mood-stabilizing properties including quetiapine, lurasidone, and aripiprazole. APA guidelines guide medication selection based on episode type and phase.

Can mood disorders be treated via telehealth?

Yes. Lyte Psychiatry provides HIPAA-compliant telehealth evaluation and medication management for mood disorders to all Texas and New Mexico residents. Same-week appointments are available. For patients on lithium, we coordinate with local labs for monitoring.

Does insurance cover mood disorder treatment?

Yes. Mood disorder treatment is covered by all major insurance plans under mental health parity laws. Lyte Psychiatry accepts BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, Ambetter, and Magellan. Most patients pay $0-$30 per session. See all insurance plans we accept →

Can cyclothymia be treated with medication?

Yes. Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving recurrent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for a manic or depressive episode. Mood stabilizers and psychotherapy can significantly reduce symptom frequency and severity. Left untreated, cyclothymia carries a risk of progressing to bipolar I or II disorder.

What is PMDD and how is it treated?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder tied to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, producing severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood instability that resolves shortly after menstruation begins. ACOG estimates PMDD affects approximately 3-8% of women of reproductive age. SSRIs are the most effective medication treatment and can be prescribed continuously or only during the luteal phase.

How is a mood disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation covering current symptoms, episode history (how long, how severe, what triggered them), family psychiatric history, and medical history. There are no blood tests for mood disorders. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria defined in the DSM-5. Getting the diagnosis right the first time prevents the harm of inappropriate treatment.