A mood swing is a rapid or intense change in one's emotional state. During a mood swing, a person's mood can quickly shift from happy and upbeat to sad, irritable, or angry.
This article discusses the most common causes of mood swings in men and women, as well as treatment options and prevention tips.
Mood swings are caused by a variety of factors.
Lifestyle factors frequently play a role in the onset of mood swings. People's moods may shift abruptly if they are:
- experiencing a significant life change,
- such as relocating or changing jobs,
- feeling stressed or overwhelmed,
- not getting enough sleep,
- not eating healthily,
- taking medications that affect mood or sleep
Regular and severe mood swings, on the other hand, may indicate an underlying condition. Some conditions that cause mood swings can affect both men and women, while others only affect women.
Male and female mood swings
The following are examples of common mood-altering conditions that can affect either sex:
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression) (depression). These extreme highs and lows may occur only occasionally or several times per year.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 4.4 percent of adults in the United States will suffer from bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.
Depression (major depressive disorder) (MDD)
MDD affects more than 16.1 million adults in the United States, and it is more common in women than in men. People with MDD experience persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities they normally enjoy.
Depression has an impact on a person's mood, daily life, and relationships. The majority of people who suffer from depression have several episodes of low mood throughout their lives. They may, however, have periods of happiness and good mood in between.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia, also known as cyclothymic disorder, is characterized by emotional highs and lows. It is similar to bipolar disorder, but it is less severe and occurs less frequently.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
This type of depression was previously referred to as dysthymia. People with PDD have long-term feelings of depression that last at least two years.
Although the symptoms of PDD are not as severe as those of MDD, they can have a significant impact on a person's life and relationships. Every year, approximately 1.5 percent of adults in the United States are affected by the condition.
Borderline Personality disorder (BPD)
Someone suffering from BPD may experience intense mood swings and self-image issues, as well as difficulty controlling their behavior. Those suffering from BPD have a strong fear of abandonment and tend to have unstable relationships.
According to some studies, 5.9 percent of people will suffer from BPD at some point in their lives.
Other mental health issues
Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations or delusions that cause people to experience an altered state of reality. Schizophrenia has a significant impact on one's quality of life.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder): Children and adults with ADHD may struggle to manage their emotions, resulting in mood swings. Impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention are some of the other symptoms.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition characterized by intense moodiness, including anger, extreme irritability, and temper outbursts. These symptoms must last for a period of 12 months. For a DMDD diagnosis, consult a Trusted Source or more.
Misuse or abuse of substances
Excessive alcohol or drug use can have a negative impact on mental health and cause significant mood swings.
Physical health issues
Physical health issues, particularly chronic or terminal illness, can have a significant impact on a person's mood. These modifications can be direct (via changes in hormones or brain function) or indirect (by triggering depression or anxiety).
Physical conditions that can cause mood swings include:
- Alzheimer's illness
- Coronary heart disease
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- HIV (MS)
- Parkinson's disease (PD)
- Stroke
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid problems
Female mood swings: what causes them?
Hormonal changes can cause significant mood swings. Females are more likely than males to experience symptoms of hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Female mood swings are commonly caused by the following factors:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS causes a slew of symptoms just before a menstrual period begins. These are some examples:
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- food cravings
- depression
- Fatigue
More than 90% of women report having some PMS symptoms.
Premenstrual dysphoria (PMDD)
PMDD is a more severe manifestation of PMS. It affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age, according to Trusted Source. It is frequently associated with depression or anxiety.
Extreme mood swings, persistent irritability or anger, and depression or anxiety are all symptoms. It also produces physical symptoms that are similar to PMS.
Pregnancy mood swings
Pregnancy hormone changes can cause mood swings as well as feelings of anxiety and vulnerability. Physical changes can also have an impact on a woman's emotions.
These mood swings may be more noticeable during the first trimester and then level off as the body adjusts to fluctuating hormone levels. Some women, however, will experience mood swings during their pregnancy.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural life transition in which a woman's menstrual cycles come to an end. It usually affects women between the ages of 40 and 58 in North America, with the average being 51.
The North American Menopause Society estimates that up to 23% of women experience mood changes during or after menopause. Other symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, and a loss of libido.
Treatment
Treatment is usually not required for mild to moderate mood swings that do not impair a person's quality of life.
However, if mood swings are severe or persistent, they can indicate an underlying condition that may benefit from treatment. Treatment will be determined by the underlying cause. Among the options are:
Psychotherapy
If mood swings are caused by a mental health condition, therapy may be beneficial, especially if mood swings interfere with daily life or relationships. People can benefit from therapy by:
- Better control their emotions
- Work on the issues that cause mood swings
- Comprehend the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior
- Acquire more useful coping skills
- Improve communication skills, which can have a positive impact on relationships
Medication
Medication may be prescribed by a doctor to treat the symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression or schizophrenia, which can contribute to mood swings. Among these alternatives are:
- Anxiolytic medications
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotic medications
- sedatives
Medication used to treat physical conditions, such as a thyroid disorder, may also help to reduce mood swings.
Changes in lifestyle
Changes in lifestyle, whether alone or in conjunction with other treatments, can improve mood. Individuals may benefit from doing one or more of the following:
- Establishing a sleep schedule and aiming for 7–9 hours of sleep per night eating a nutritious diet and eating at regular times
- Taking part in regular physical activity
- Stress management can be achieved through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or other sessions.
- Keeping a journal to record mood changes and potential triggers for those changes
- Maintaining an active social life and staying in touch with family and friends on a regular basis
When should you see a doctor?
Individuals should consult a doctor if their mood swings are as follows:
- Regular
- Intense
- Persistent (lasting more than a few days)
- Affecting their work, relationships, or other aspects of their life
- Causing them to engage in risky behaviors
- Causing them to have suicidal thoughts
Outlook
In most cases, a person’s emotions will level out within a few hours or days. If mood swings are caused by a mental or physical health problem, treating the condition can help people manage their emotions.
Psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of the three are commonly used to treat mental health disorders. It may take some time to find the best treatment plan to relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Many of the techniques for mood management can also be used to prevent mood swings. These are some examples:
- Establishing and adhering to a daily routine
- Eating a healthy diet,
- Getting enough sleep,
- Exercising on a regular basis
- Finding ways to manage stress and eliminate its sources.
- Socializing with others, including family and friends
- Reaching out and talking to someone in times of stress or crisis
- Seeking treatment if symptoms of a mental health problem emerge
- Completing a treatment plan following a diagnosis of a mental health disorder
Summary
Mild-to-moderate mood swings are a natural part of life. They may be more common at certain times, such as when significant life changes occur or hormonal fluctuations occur as a result of menstruation and pregnancy.
Intense, long-lasting, or recurring mood swings can indicate a problem. In these situations, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider. These conditions can be diagnosed and treated by a doctor or mental health professional.
Most people with mental health issues can learn to manage their emotions and improve their quality of life with treatment.
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