Mood Swinging

About the Symptom

A mood disturbance can be any abnormal mood for that person, such as feelings of depression, anxiety, or panic-like symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Mood swings

Possible Causes

Generally, Mood swinging can be related to:

• Bipolar Disorder

  A disorder marked by extreme and persistent shifts in mood that last for weeks to months, from periods of sustained depression to periods of elevated mood and euphoria. The precise cause is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors contribute.

• Graves' Disease

  A condition involving an overactive thyroid gland. It's a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland and causes an overproduction of thyroid hormone. It is more common in women than men. Some symptoms include anxiety, weight loss, tremors, changes in menstrual cycles, increase in bowel movements, fatigue, and palpitations.

• Depression

  Depression is a mental illness that leads to low mood, reduced energy levels, and changes in sleep. This affects everyday activities like attending school and work. As the condition worsens, patients might have suicidal thoughts. Although stress and past trauma can cause depression, it can take time to identify and address causes, and genetic factors may also be at play.

• Low Testosterone
• Peri-/Post-Menopausal Symptoms
• Migraine
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Mood swinging may be related to these serious diseases:

• Heatstroke

  This is a life-threatening emergency where the person's body temperature is dangerously high and they display neurological abnormalities. This occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature properly. It can be caused by the surrounding environment (heat, moisture) or internal factors (dehydration, strenuous exercise).

• Dehydration

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have you been experiencing intense mood swings?
• When did you first notice the intense mood swings?
• How have your mood swings progressed since they started?

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