Is It Just Mood Swings or Something Bigger?

Mood swings, or sudden shifts in mood, don’t usually warrant alarm. For example, abrupt changes brought on by stressful or transitional times are frequently transient. Treatment may be necessary for persistent variations if they are linked to an underlying medical issue. It’s normal to have both extreme emotions on certain days. Mood swings that don’t significantly impact your daily activities are usually seen as normal. However, if you encounter critical mood shifts often, such as moving from intense joy or euphoria to tremendous sadness or discomfort, it may suggest a more serious issue. Numerous physical, mental, and emotional health issues might impact your mood. Alcohol and nicotine usage are two examples of substances that can be involved. And even when used as advised, prescription drugs can do the same. It’s necessary to keep in mind that mood swings don’t necessarily imply abuse.

Mental Disorders That Cause Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder-

Extreme mood swings between high energy and mood during manic periods and low mood during depressed episodes are typical of this illness, which is also frequently known as a manic-depressive disorder. The sudden alterations in these moods can have a colossal impact on a person’s day-to-day activities.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)-

Another condition that is occasionally referred to as clinical depression is characterised by surviving melancholy, despair, and a prevailing absence of inquisitiveness in or enjoyment from activities. While a persistently down attitude is the hallmark of unhappiness, some MDD patients may also deal with mood swings throughout their depressive attacks.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)-

Emerges include impulsivity, fluctuating self-image, jeopardy in controlling emotions, and tempestuous interpersonal relationships. People encountering borderline personality disorder (BPD) tend to possess sudden as well as robust mood swings that can vary from euphoria to outrage to desperation and are continually fetched on by outside events.

Cyclothymic Disorder-

A calmer form of bipolar disorder concerns established mood disruptions that are less powerful than fully-fledged manic or depressive sequences. People with cyclothymic disorder undergo systematic mood swings that, while less vigorous than those with bipolar disorder, can yet influence their everyday operations.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)-

Harsh kind of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) impacts females in the days foregoing menstruation. Mood swings in PMDD can contain drastic irritability, dismay, or fear, following a comprehensive custom related to the menstrual cycle.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-

Its immediate traits happen to be impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention; however, emotional dysregulation may also be present, which might be the reason behind serious mood swings. Although they are not the primary symptom of ADHD, mood swings can deepen the prevailing challenges witnessed by those who have this neurodevelopmental ailment.

Schizophrenia-

Mood swings can also be the occurrence due to a severe mental illness that influences thinking, feeling, and behaviour. But frequently, other symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or cognitive abnormalities come first and cause these mood fluctuations.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-

This emerges with excessive worry and anxiety for no apparent cause. While anxiety is the primary symptom of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), mood swings are also possible in those with the illness, particularly when their worry becomes overwhelming.

Physical Problems That Cause Mood Swings

Hormonal Imbalances:

Since hormones have established themselves as a role player in mood moderation, abnormalities in these zones might very much cause mood swings. Menstrual cycle idiosyncrasies, postmenopausal hormonal modifications, and thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can all have a consequence on mood equilibrium.

Nutritional Deficiencies:

A diet that doesn’t contain paramount nutrients might transform brain chemistry and make mood concerns more menacing. Depletion in vital nutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D) has been linked to mood swings and may heighten conditions like depression.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations:

A steady streamlet of glucose is mandated for optimal brain activity. Divergences in blood sugar levels, which are standard in conditions like diabetes or reactive hypoglycemia, can lead to crankiness, mood swings, and endangerment in concentrating.

Dehydration:

Even temperate episodes of dehydration can have an influence on mood and cognitive transparency. Dehydration can aggravate mood swings by causing fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Sleep Disorders:

Long-term sleep ordeals (sleep apnea or insomnia) can immensely alter one’s mood. Earning too little sleep can lead to impatience as well as stress, depression, and mood swings.

Neurological Conditions:

Specific neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis or epilepsy) can have an impact on mood. Mood swings can emerge from an impact on the nervous system; thus, addressing the hidden neurological problem is mandatory to solve these mood swings.

Medication Sides:

The biggest side effect of a drug is its mood-altering features. Any prescription drug may have psychological side results, so it’s noteworthy to be conscious of them and to let medical experts be aware if mood swings are happening. For comprehensive care, people should keep in mind that their health is more significant and should always go by consulting professionals at the best hospital in Vadodara or elsewhere in India. People might feel empowered to handle mood fluctuations and start a journey toward long-lasting well-being if we encourage open communication, dispel stigmas, and adopt a proactive approach to health. Recall that receiving the appropriate assistance may have a significant impact on your health.

Written by Parul Sevashram Hospital | 20 Jan 2024