Mental Health Dysphoric Mood: Warning Signs and How to Cope By Geralyn Dexter, LMHC Geralyn Dexter, LMHC Geralyn is a Licensed Mental Health counselor and wellness content writer. She has experience providing evidence-based therapy in various settings and creating content focused on helping others cultivate well-being. Learn about our editorial process Published on November 04, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Adjoa Smalls-Mantey, MD, DPhil Medically reviewed by Adjoa Smalls-Mantey, MD, DPhil LinkedIn Adjoa Smalls-Mantey, MD, DPhil, is a board-certified psychiatrist and lifestyle medicine physician. She practices emergency psychiatry in New York City at several institutions, including Columbia University Medical Center, where she is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Dysphoria? Causes Symptoms Overlapping Conditions Treatment Frequently Asked Questions Dysphoria refers to a profound sense of unhappiness, distress, and indifference. It is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom associated with various mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Read on to learn if you’re experiencing a dysphoric mood and what you can do about it. Bundit Binsuk / EyeEm / Getty Images What Is Dysphoria? Dysphoria describes an intense emotional state that can be a symptom of many mental health diagnoses. It is a profound state of dissatisfaction and unease. Many describe it as feeling unhappy or sad. Symptoms may manifest themselves in depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. A person can also experience strong emotions like anger, a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, and disturbances to eating and sleeping patterns. Research shows that people with dysphoria may be preoccupied with the future and see the world through a negative lens, making it difficult to gain perspective and consider realistic outcomes. Dysphoric mood can occur during a mixed state, where an individual has feelings of sadness, apathy, or irritability while also experiencing symptoms of mania, such as inflated sense of self, racing thoughts, or pressured speech. Dysphoric Mood vs. Dysphoric Mania Dysphoric mood indicates a period when deep unhappiness, discontent, and disconnect are present. Symptoms are similar to those of depression, yet can be different. Dysphoric mania is the current term for a mixed state, meaning signs of depression and mania occur together. An example of this might look like racing thoughts and irritability while feeling depressed. What Causes a Dysphoric Mood? A 2017 review of studies examining the causes of different states in bipolar disorder attributed dysphoria to several factors: Trauma Negative childhood experiences Substance use Withdrawal from substances Stress Rumination (focusing on the same thoughts) Disruptions in circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) Genetic vulnerability Changes in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which can cause shifts in mood What Does Dysphoria Feel Like? People have unique experiences of dysphoria. However, generally speaking, a dysphoric mood can include the following symptoms: Irritability Powerful emotions such as guilt, anger, or melancholiaFeelings of failureA deep sense of discontent or dissatisfaction Feeling overwhelmedAggression and hostility Lack of pleasure in daily activitiesStressChanges in eating and sleeping patternsStruggling to manage or recover from low and profound emotions Overlap With Other Mental Disorders A state of dysphoria can occur with the following conditions: Major depressive disorder Bipolar disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Schizophrenia Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Substance use disorders (and withdrawal from substances) Eating disorders Personality disorders, specifically borderline personality disorder Gender dysphoria Premenstrual dysphoric disorder Dysphoria coupled with anxiety or substance use can complicate treatment. Seeking evaluation and treatment are critical to alleviating dysphoria. The persistence of dysphoric mood may be an indication of an underlying mental health condition. It also increases a person’s risk of suicide. Resources for Support If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Treatment for Dysphoric Mood Treatment may vary based on the root or underlying cause of dysphoria. Consultation with a healthcare provider can help rule out any physical conditions, while an assessment with a psychiatrist may uncover psychological causes. Treatment recommendations may include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or other medications recommended by your provider. Therapy can also be effective in supporting patients with dysphoric mood. Some strategies a patient may learn in therapy include: Coping with distressing emotionsEstablishing a consistent routineDeveloping balanced thinkingEmotional regulation techniques Coping Strategies Prioritizing self-care and stress management can also help improve mood. Examples of activities that may help include: Practicing self-compassionExercisingEating wellGetting consistent good sleepConnecting with loved ones Mindfulness activities like deep breathing or meditation Remember that help is out there. If you are feeling symptoms of dysphoric mood, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. Summary A dysphoric mood is a consistent state of profound unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Symptoms can include discontent, irritability, stress, aggression, and feelings of anger, guilt, or failure. It can be a sign of many different mental health diagnoses, so it's important to share your symptoms with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to get a proper diagnosis. A Word From Verywell Dysphoria can feel like a dense and impenetrable fog. It can be hard to shake emotions such as deep dissatisfaction, discontent, and sadness. Being assessed by a mental health professional can provide insight into what is contributing to dysphoria. This knowledge allows you to discuss treatment and self-care options to help improve your mood. Frequently Asked Questions What causes dysphoria? Factors that contribute to dysphoria include significant or stressful life experiences, trauma, substance use, anxiety, disruptions in a person’s sleep-wake cycle, and persistent negative or unhelpful thoughts. Discussing your symptoms and experience with a provider is the best way to understand whether underlying mental health or physical conditions are playing a part in dysphoria. Is dysphoria a diagnosis? Dysphoria is not a diagnosis. Instead, it describes an intense emotional state that can occur as a symptom of mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and PTSD. How long does dysphoria last? Dysphoria can last for a short while or persist for prolonged periods. The duration of symptoms will vary from person to person. Whether your symptoms are brief or enduring, reaching out for help can set you on a path to recovery. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bertschy G, Gervasoni N, Favre S, et al. Frequency of dysphoria and mixed states. Psychopathology. 2008;41(3):187-193. doi:10.1159/000120987 Tavormina, G. Bipolar disorders and bipolarity: the notion of the “mixity”. Psychiatr Danub. 2019;31(Suppl 3):434-437. Muneer A. Mixed states in bipolar disorder: etiology, pathogenesis and treatment. Chonnam Med J. 2017;53(1):1. doi:10.4068/cmj.2017.53.1.1 Broderick PC. Mindfulness and coping with dysphoric mood: contrasts with rumination and distraction. Cogn Ther Res. 2005;29(5):501-510. doi:10.1007/s10608-005-3888-0