Diurnal Mood Variation Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping

Diurnal Mood Variation Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping Depression Types Print An Overview of Diurnal Mood Variation By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 27, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Cecilie_Arcurs / Getty Images More in Depression Types Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping View All Back To Top While technically not a separate diagnosis from clinical depression, diurnal mood variation is sometimes referred to as “morning depression.” Diurnal mood variation doesnt appear as a unique entry in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), though its considered a hallmark symptom of severe clinical depression?? (specifically the melancholic subtype???).   People who experience diurnal mood variation typically feel the symptoms of melancholic depression most intensely in the morning and notice a gradual improvement as the day goes on.   For those who have mild depression and other mood disorders, its not uncommon to experience the opposite: A person may have more energy and a better mood earlier in the day, with symptoms of depression becoming worse at night. Studies have also shown that people who don’t have depression may also experience similar fluctuations in mood, however, they usually report these fluctuations are in response to certain situations or influences.?? People who are depressed may feel there is no clear reason for the mood changes they experience at certain times of the day, and unlike people who do not have depression, they may feel that they are unable to control the changes.   While there are some similarities, diurnal mood variation differs from mood changes that occur with the change of seasons. Its also not the same as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is typically influenced by the time of year rather than the time of day.   The Most Common Types of Depression Symptoms People who have depression with diurnal mood variation have a low mood and feel that their depression symptoms are at their worst in the morning, but they seem to get better throughout the day.   In addition to characteristic clinical depression symptoms like profound sadness and low mood, people with diurnal mood variation may also: Sleep longer than normal (known as hypersomnia)Have trouble waking up or getting out of bedFeel extremely tired and lethargic upon waking, creating difficulty completing daily tasks or a morning routine (such as showering, dressing, making breakfast)Have problems focusing and poor concentrationBe irritable or easily frustratedHave little to no enthusiasm or interest in the day ahead (even if pleasurable activities are planned) Causes As with the causes of clinical depression, the driving force behind diurnal mood variation isnt completely understood. One theory researchers are exploring that seems likely is that the variations occur in response to circadian rhythms. Your circadian rhythm is the natural pattern of variations in wakefulness, body temperature, blood pressure, and hormone levels that your body goes through during a 24-hour day. Even people who dont have a mood disorder can experience sleep trouble based on changes in their circadian rhythm, so it makes sense that these irregularities could contribute to symptoms of depression.   Researchers know that people who have depression are especially vulnerable to irregularities in their internal clock and sleep patterns.?? A person’s mood can be affected even when they knowingly alter their sleep patterns, such as by staying up later or rising earlier to accommodate work or social activities.   Mood swings may be instigated by changes to external light and dark cues, such as the timing of sunrise and sunset. These factors can also influence other depressive disorders such as SAD. On a positive note, research also suggests that making changes to try to stabilize the relationships between activities like sleep, wakefulness, eating, exercise, meal times, and the timing of medication can help decrease the impact of diurnal mood variation.?? Why Some People Are More Prone to Depression Than Others Diagnosis Diurnal mood variation doesn’t have its own specific diagnostic criteria. People who experience it are usually diagnosed with major depression or a similar condition. For example, some people with bipolar disorder experience similar symptoms and may be initially misdiagnosed with unipolar depression.?? A thorough assessment by a trained professional is vital to making the distinction, as these conditions require different treatments.??   While your doctor or psychiatrist is evaluating you for depression or another mental health disorder, they will often ask questions about your sleep habits, as well as how your mood changes throughout the day. For example, they may ask if you are sleeping more or less than usual, how well you are sleeping, and if you feel better in the morning than in the afternoon or evening. Depression Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF How Depression Is Diagnosed Treatment If you experience diurnal mood variation, start by talking to your doctor or mental health professional about your options for treating the specific type of depression you have, including different forms of psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of interventions.   Light Therapy It’s unclear if depression causes circadian rhythm disturbances or if disruption of one’s circadian rhythm contributes to depression. In either case, phototherapy may also help people with morning depression.?? Also known as light therapy or lightbox therapy, phototherapy involves shining full-spectrum bright light that mimics natural outdoor light on your face while sitting the appropriate distance away from the light box. During phototherapy, you will either sit next to a lightbox or be fitted with visor designed to expose your eyes to artificial light that mimics natural daylight. Light therapy is used to treat an array of medical and mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and sleep disorders like insomnia. Medications Supplements   There are several different classes of antidepressant medications that can be prescribed for depression. Research has suggested that some medications may be more effective at addressing morning depression than others.?? Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your bodys circadian rhythm. Some people find taking a melatonin supplement improves their sleep patterns and may help them cope with symptoms of morning depression.?? Research has suggested that a specific atypical antidepressant called agomelatine, a synthetic form of melatonin, could be an effective treatment for depression with diurnal mood variation.?? However, as of 2019 agomelatine is not available in the United States.?? The drug is available in the United Kingdom where it is sold under the brand name Valdoxian. An Overview of the Treatments for Depression Coping If you experience morning depression, you may also find it helpful to try making some lifestyle changes to see if your symptoms improve, such as: Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time each evening and wake up at the same time each morning.  Dont take naps. If you can’t do without, try to keep naps short. Avoid taking one late in the day, as it may affect your sleep at night.Curate a sleep space. Make your bedroom conducive to rest and relaxation. Keep it quiet, cool, and dark. Dont do any activities in your bed other than sleep or have sex. Your brain associates your bed with what you do there. If you watch TV, do work on your laptop, or play games on your phone in bed, it becomes associated with these activities as well.  Dim the lights. The light from your computer, TV, and phone screen can trick your brain into thinking its morning, making it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Turn off screens at least one hour before you head to bed.Avoid stimulants. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine-containing coffee, tea, or hot chocolate too close to bedtime. Tobacco can also contribute to poor sleep qualityâ€"ano ther reason to try to quit smoking.    Get physical. Regular exercise helps regulate mood and can improve your sleep, but timing is key. A good workout can be stimulating, so some people prefer exercising in the morning. If you’re not an early riser or your schedule only leaves time for the gym later in the day, just try to wrap up your workout at least four hours before it’s time to tuck in.Optimize your mental energy. If you have any flexibility in your schedule, try to avoid making appointments, taking meetings, or working on big projects earlier in the day. Studies have even suggested going to therapy later in the day (when you may feel more mentally up for a session) can be beneficial.??   Tips for Living With Depression A Word From Verywell If you have depression, you may notice your symptoms seem worse at certain times of the day. While diurnal mood variation or morning depression isnt a diagnosis in and of itself, it can be a symptom of major depression (specifically melancholic depression). It’s important that you talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you recognize depression symptoms and they are impacting your daily life. Certain medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes may be able to help you cope with the fluctuations in your mood throughout the day. Together with your doctor, you can find what works best for you. Why Am I Only Depressed at Night?