How to Identify High Functioning Mood Disorders

Often clients wait too long to start therapy or start at burnout or a state of crisis. It is important to

know how high functioning mood disorders present and the signs and symptoms to look out for.

On the outside these individuals may present as successful and well adjusted who are able to

maintain elevated levels of daily functioning without experiencing significant emotional distress.

Note, high functioning individuals with an existing mental health condition suffer internally and

often alone. Here are five types of high functioning mood disorders and what to look for.

High Functioning Depression (Persistent Depressive Disorder - PDD/Dysthymia):

•  Signs and Symptoms: Chronic low mood, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration,

and feelings of hopelessness lasting for at least two years.

•  Functioning: Individuals can maintain daily responsibilities such as work and social

relationships, but they feel consistently unhappy or unfulfilled. Often described as an

underlining sadness or discontent.

High Functioning Anxiety:

•  Signs and Symptoms: Excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and

disordered sleep.

•  Functioning: Individuals may be high achievers, organized, and appear calm and

collected, yet they internally struggle with pervasive anxiety and fear of failure. They can

show up to their commitments but lack self care in the areas of sleep, nutrition, and

home life.

High Functioning Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

•  Signs and Symptoms: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the

trauma, negative changes in thinking and mood, and increased alertness and reactivity

•  Functioning: Individuals may continue to work and interact socially while internally

managing significant distress related to their traumatic experiences. Coping mechanisms

can also present as dissociative tendencies and disconnection to the self.

High Functioning Bipolar Disorder (Cyclothymic Disorder):

• Signs and Symptoms: Periods of hypomania that includes elevated mood, increased

energy, reduced need for sleep and mild depression that last for at least two years. Both

manic and depressive episodes are mild in nature and different to Bipolar 1.

•  Functioning: Individuals can often maintain stable jobs and relationships, though their

mood swings may cause intermittent disruptions in their lives and difficult to predict.

Unaddressed or undiagnosed cyclothymic disorder can lead to increased stressors, and

propensity to substances and anxiety.

High Functioning Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

•  Signs and Symptoms: Depressive episodes that occur seasonally, primarily in winter

months, characterized by low energy, over sleeping, overeating, and weight gain.

•  Functioning: Individuals may manage their responsibilities and maintain an appearance

of normalcy despite the seasonal depressive symptoms, however struggling with healthy

habits and social isolation.

It is important to acknowledge that even if individuals with high functioning mood disorders

appear to be coping well, they can benefit from therapeutic support and treatment. It is best to

learn how to effectively manage symptoms through healthy coping mechanism to improve

quality of life through therapy, medication and or lifestyle changes.