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Understanding and Managing Mood Swings: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
A mood swing is a sudden, sometimes intense change in emotions. In the midst of a mood swing, you can quickly go from feeling happy to sad, angry, or irritable. We all have mood swings––they’re an expected reaction to the stressors of daily life. However, if you experience mood swings that make you feel like you’re on a roller coaster (especially if it’s negatively affecting work or relationships), it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. At Priority Medical Group, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of mood swings.
Causes of Mood Swings
There are many reasons why your mood may change rapidly. Life events such as a death in the family, marriage or divorce, a move, or a job change often lead to dramatic emotional shifts. Additionally, lack of sleep, stress, dietary deficiencies, and even caffeine withdrawal can affect your mood (Firth, 2020; Sajadi-Ernazarova, 2021).
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes—such as fluctuations in estrogen or testosterone levels—can also lead to mood swings (Wharton, 2012; Johnson, 2013). Women may experience mood changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause (Anokye, 2018; Soares, 2020).
Health Conditions
Various health conditions can cause mood swings by altering brain chemicals or causing symptoms like pain or fatigue. Medical conditions linked to mood changes include (Cosci, 2015; Sekhon, 2021):
- Underactive or overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Anemia
- Concussion
- Brain tumors
- Neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Schizophrenia
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- Substance use disorder or addiction
Medications
Certain medications can also affect your mood. Drugs commonly linked to mood swings include (Sekhon, 2021):
- Recreational substances like amphetamines and cocaine
- Steroids
- Alcohol
- Antibiotics
- Chemotherapy drugs
It may be surprising, but mood-elevating drugs like antidepressants can trigger mood swings and occasionally aggravate conditions like bipolar disorder.
Mood Swings and Mental Health
Mood swings that are intense, long-lasting, and not related to a medical issue or life event may be caused by a mental health condition. These mood swings may be linked to changes in brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins are all neurotransmitters that can affect your emotional state (Sekhon, 2021).
Common Mental Health Conditions
Up to 60% of people with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience mood swings. This is significant because mood changes can lead to complications like alcohol use disorder or even thoughts of suicide (Marwaha, 2013).
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that oscillate between mania and depression. Mania is marked by inflated self-esteem, impulsivity, increased talkativeness and energy, and sometimes delusions (Howes, 2010). Depressive periods are marked by sadness, decreased concentration, guilt, lack of interest in activities, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Major Depressive Disorder
Commonly known as depression or clinical depression, major depressive disorder (MDD) leads to mood swings that range from extreme sadness to anger to thoughts of suicide. These mood swings often coincide with other symptoms of depression like trouble sleeping, eating more or less than usual, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness (Sekhon, 2021).
Borderline Personality Disorder
Intense mood swings often accompany borderline personality disorder (BPD) and can last for hours or days. People with BPD may experience extreme moods, including rage, sadness, restlessness, and a feeling of being outside one’s own body. This may lead to risky or dangerous behavior.
Diagnosing Mood Swings
A visit to a healthcare provider can help identify if you’re dealing with mood swings or a disorder. The diagnosis often involves a full medical and mental health history. Questionnaires are used to identify past or current stressors, trauma, mood changes, sleep, and eating patterns. It’s often beneficial to speak to a mental health professional like a psychiatrist to diagnose a mood disorder (Sekhon, 2021).
How to Treat Mood Swings
Evening out mood swings depends on the underlying cause. If you have mild mood swings that aren’t disruptive, they may not require treatment. For more serious mood swings, treatment may include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication if needed (Broome, 2015).
Medications
Medications used to treat mood disorders include mood stabilizers and antidepressants. A healthcare professional will prescribe medication based on the diagnosis.
Talk Therapy
There are many types of therapy that can help manage mood swings associated with depression and other mood disorders, including (Sekhon, 2021):
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of treatment reframes negative thought patterns to help people respond to difficult situations in a more positive way.
- Behavioral Activation: This therapy helps replace harmful moods with more positive behaviors like learning a new skill.
- Couples and Family Therapy: This allows family members and loved ones to support people with mood swings and mood disorders.
Lifestyle Approaches to Balancing Mood
Besides medication and therapy, lifestyle changes can help combat mood swings. Ways to improve your overall health and well-being include (Sekhon, 2021):
- Exercise: Regular exercise and yoga may be protective against mood disorders by boosting brain chemicals that elevate mood.
- Quit Smoking: People often experience increased optimism and quality of life after they stop smoking.
- Healthy Diet: Following a nutritious, balanced diet decreases the risk of mood disorders. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids have a mood-boosting effect on brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
- Better Sleep: Getting enough sleep makes a big difference in mood and brain function.
- Reduce Stress: Stress relief techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, can help reduce mood swings.
- Avoid Triggers: Understanding and avoiding situations that trigger mood swings can prevent them.
When to Call a Doctor
If mood swings are affecting your life in a negative way, speak to a healthcare provider. Changes in mood that are frequent and intense could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Keeping a mood diary or journal to track changes in emotions can help identify patterns and triggers so your provider can make a more accurate diagnosis and suggest the right treatment.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, don’t wait for an appointment—call 911.
Call to Action
At Priority Medical Group, we are dedicated to supporting your mental and emotional well-being. If you’re experiencing mood swings and are concerned about your health, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a personalized plan to manage your mood swings and improve your overall quality of life.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
References
Anokye, R., Acheampong, E., Mprah, W. K., Opeibea, B., & Barivure, T. N. (2018). Prevalence of postpartum depression and interventions utilized for its management. International Journal of Women’s Health, 10, 249–257. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S166116
Cosci, F., & Fava, G. A. (2015). Medical conditions associated with mood disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders, 188, 226–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.08.067
Firth, J., Gangwisch, J. E., Borsini, A., Wootton, R. E., & Mayer, E. A. (2020). Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing? BMJ, 369, m2382. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2382
Johnson, S. L., & Whisman, M. A. (2013). Gender differences in rumination: a meta-analysis. Personality and Individual Differences, 55(4), 367–374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.03.019
Sekhon, S., Gupta, V., & Bansal, P. (2021). Mood disorders: pathophysiology and pharmacological management. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 10(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20205882
FAQ:
| 1. What causes mood swings? | Mood swings can be caused by various factors, including life events, hormonal changes, health conditions, and medications. |
| 2. How can I manage my mood swings? | Managing mood swings involves identifying the underlying cause. Treatments may include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet, and medication if necessary. |
| 3. When should I see a doctor about mood swings? | If your mood swings are frequent, intense, and negatively impacting your daily life, it’s |
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