Severe mood swings can be caused by chemical imbalances, hormonal changes, medications, and normal reactions to life. Hormones impact the brain’s production of neurotransmitters, which control mood. Treatment varies depending on severity and age, with antidepressants and hormone replacement therapy as options.
Severe mood swings can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes in the body, and certain types of medications. Furthermore, severe mood swings can also be caused by the normal human reaction to everyday life. When a person’s life is in a time of severe upheaval or emotional distress, mood swings are sometimes simply a natural response to the human condition. Mood changes, even severe ones, are sometimes normal.
While there are life experiences that can cause mood swings, sometimes severe mood swings are the result of chemical imbalances, such as bipolar disorder. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that are thought to control mood. One of these chemicals, called norepinephrine, can cause extreme manic behavior if levels are too high and severe depression if levels are too low. Another neurotransmitter called serotonin is thought to be linked to happiness and good mood, and fluctuations in this chemical can cause dramatic changes in mood.
Hormone-associated mood swings are commonly seen in women going through menopause. Estrogen is a hormone thought to impact the way the brain produces serotonin, the “good mood” chemical. Women in the midst of menopause typically have estrogen deficiencies, which can delay serotonin production. This condition is believed to be responsible for many of the mood swings associated with menopause. Other menopause symptoms that can contribute to severe mood swings include trouble sleeping, weight gain, and diet.
The onset of puberty has long been held responsible for severe mood swings. Unlike menopause, where hormones are low, during puberty, hormones are flooding, causing reactions in the brain that often lead to unpredictable and moody behavior. This is sometimes more prevalent in girls, as many of them are also dealing with their first experiences with menstruation, which brings with it a whole new set of problems. Some symptoms of severe mood swings in adolescents include unexplained crying and changes in attitude and behavior, particularly around authority figures. Additionally, some adolescents alternate between social withdrawal and overachievers.
Another condition called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can sometimes cause severe mood swings. Little is known about this condition, but research seems to show that PMS is likely linked to the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Women who suffer from PMS often experience mood swings so severe that the symptoms interfere with their daily life.
Treatment for severe mood swings varies depending on the severity and age of the patient. Doctors often prescribe antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil. For women who are going through menopause, hormone replacement therapy is sometimes recommended. This type of therapy is now less common, as it has been linked to cancer.
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