Mood Changes
What are Mood Changes
Mood changes, or “mood swings”, are sudden changes in a person mood. Some people refer to mood swings as ‘being on a rollercoaster’, due to the speed at which moods can change.
Symptoms
Causes
Mood changes can be caused by a number of mental health conditions or moos disorders.
Common causes for mood swings include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression, or major depressive disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Anxiety, such as general anxiety disorder
- Personality disorders
Also, traumatic events, substance abuse, or hormonal changes can also cause mood swings in people.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for triggering a mood swing are different for everyone, but common risk factors include:
- Stress
- Diet
- Sleep problems
- Substance abuse
- Certain medications
- Significant life events
Treatment
Treatment for mood swings depends on the reason, and the person. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, or therapies, but many will find the most benefit from a combination of treatment.
It may take a few tries to find the treatment(s) that works best for you, so speaking to a medical professional is the best bet. A trained professional is able to assess your mood swings, recommend the best treatment options for you, and monitor your progress.
When to See a Medical Doctor
Everyone has mood changes some time in their life. However, if your mood becomes unpredictable, and symptoms persist, speak to a medical professional.
Also, if your rapid changes in mood begin to negatively affect your everyday life, and those around you, speak to a doctor.