Rapid Mood Swings: Causes and Treatment

Rapid Mood Swings

Overview

We all experience mood swings where we are sad or overjoyed. When mood changes don’t interfere with your daily activities to an extreme, they are generally regarded as healthy.

Conversely, if you frequently change from extreme happiness to extreme depression, you may suffer from a medical condition. Inform your doctor if you experience frequent and severe mood swings. It is possible that they can explain why you are experiencing them.

Rapid behavior changes can be caused by various health conditions, such as mental health, hormones and substance use.

Read: Types of Schizophrenia

What conditions are associated with severe mood swings?

Mood changes are often a symptom of more serious health problems. Psychological disorders, hormonal fluctuations, or substance abuse problems are among the causes.

Mental health conditions

Mood swings can be caused by many mental health conditions. Mood disorders are often referred to as such. The following are some of them:

  • Bipolar disorder: You can experience extreme joy and sadness if you suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder usually results in mood changes only every few months, even when it is rapid-cycling.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: cyclothymia occurs as a mild mood disorder similar to bipolar II disorder. Mood swings are not as severe as those in bipolar disorder, but they are still present.
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD): MDD causes extreme sadness over a long period of time. MDD is sometimes referred to as a clinical depression.
  • Dysthymia: The chronic form of depression called dysthymia is now called persistent depressive disorder (PDD).
  • Personality disorders: It is common for people with certain personality disorders to suffer rapid mood changes.
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): DMDD is usually diagnosed in children. There are outbursts in it that are out of sync with the child’s developmental stage.

There is also a possibility that you might experience extreme mood changes if you suffer from a mental health condition like schizophrenia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Often, children with severe mood swings are misdiagnosed as having a bipolar disorder when they actually have another condition, according to a 2011 review. You can determine the best treatment plan for your child by talking to your physician.

Most mental health disorders can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes and psychotherapy.

Read: Paranoid Schizophrenia

Hormonal conditions

Moods can also be affected by hormones. Hormones affect brain chemistry in this way. Teenagers and women going through menopause or pregnant may experience mood swings because of hormonal changes related to these phases of their lives.

Mood changes can also be caused by factors other than hormones. Discuss with your doctor any extreme mood swings you experience with your doctor.

Substance use

If you use drugs or drink alcohol, you may experience significant mood swings. Addiction can severely interfere with your life if excessive drug or alcohol use occurs. Treatment for substance use disorders is available through a number of programs.

Those who suffer from substance use disorders, as well as their loved ones, can feel the effects of these disorders. It may be necessary for you to assist a loved one with their disorder. You can help them get the help they need by consulting their doctor about treatment options. What you should do if you are unsure about how to speak with someone who is addicted or has a substance use disorder.

Read: Catatonic Schizophrenia

Other health conditions

Mood swings can also occur as a result of other health conditions. It includes lung, cardiovascular, and thyroid conditions. Mood changes can also be caused by conditions affecting your nervous system.

Common triggers

Several triggers can cause extreme mood changes regardless of whether they are linked to a medical condition. The following are included:

  • Stress
  • A life-changing event
  • Your diet
  • Sleeping patterns
  • Medications

You should consult your doctor if your mood shifts frequently and severely. You might find it helpful to note your mood fluctuations and the activities you were engaged in before the change occurred. This can help your doctor determine if your symptoms are the result of lifestyle changes or if there is an underlying problem.

Read: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

How to control mood swings?

Girl is thinking about mood swings

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing severe mood swings or changes in your mood that disrupt your typical behavior. You must find out what is causing your mood shifts so you can find the correct treatment. It may be necessary for you to seek professional assistance or to take medications to alleviate these mood swings. It may also be helpful to change your lifestyle.

If your mood swings aren’t affecting other areas of your life negatively, you might be able to handle them without medical assistance. Here are a few things you can do to regulate your moods:

  • Keep a schedule: Maintain a routine, especially with regards to eating and sleeping.
  • Exercise regularly: There are many health benefits to regularly exercising, including a positive impact on your mood.
  • Get sufficient sleep: The quality of your sleep affects your mood, and sleep deprivation can worsen it.
  • Eat a healthy diet: It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet if you want to stay healthy and happy. The following tips can help you stay on track with your diet.
  • Practice relaxation: Practice yoga or meditation to calm your mind.
  • Avoid stress: Easy to say than to do, right? Rather than trying to avoid stress, focus on managing and relieving it as it occurs.
  • Express yourself: Creatively express yourself.
  • Talk it out: Seek out a friend, member of your family or a professional counselor to talk to.

If you keep a journal to record significant mood swings, it might also help you determine why they occur. Look for patterns in your mood and steer clear of situations or activities that harm it. It can also help your doctor diagnose you if you share your mood journal.

Read: Premenstrual Syndrome

When to see your doctor

Sometimes we experience a change in mood or feel elated or depressed for a short period of time. It may be a sign of something more serious if your behavior has been unpredictable for a number of days or longer.

An instant later, you may feel happy and grumpy. There is also the possibility that you have negative emotions that can harm you.

Here are some examples:

  • If you are extremely excitable, you may engage in risky behavior, such as spending money, confronting people, or provoking others.
  • Feel like harming yourself or ending your life
  • Having trouble visiting friends, getting enough sleep, going to work, or even getting out of bed

Mood shifts of this nature may indicate a more serious health problem. If you are experiencing feelings of depression, you should consult your doctor. They can help you determine why you are feeling this way and how to resolve it.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 if you’re currently struggling in a crisis or considering self-harm or suicide.

Seek help: Mental Help Resources

In conclusion

There can be a range of severity to mood swings. Every person experiences a range of emotions throughout their life. If you experience occasional mood swings, you may need to adjust your lifestyle to feel normal again.

It is important to stay on top of mood changes that negatively affect your life or the life of others around you. Whenever you feel that mood swings are taking over your daily life or if you notice that you’ve been feeling depressed for a long time, you should speak to your doctor. A health condition could cause these symptoms.