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Mood Swing Symptoms

Mood swings are a normal part of life. An individual's mood may change depending on a number of factors: relationship issues, life stress or what occurs during any given day. However, there are some people who experience severe mood swings regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. These type of mood swings may impact how the individual functions in daily life and can cause problems at school, work or in relationships. There are symptoms of mood swings that can be identified by trained professionals.

  1. Depressive Mood Swing

    • Feeling sad, tearful, irritable, worrisome and anxious is typical of a depressive episode. Depressive episodes are diagnosed when symptoms that include loss of appetite, loss of energy, changes in sleep patterns and thoughts of death or dying are present and significant enough to impact functioning. If these feelings and symptoms are persistent over a period of two weeks, a diagnosis of major depression may be considered.

    Manic Mood Swing

    • Feeling elated, euphoric and on top of the world is typical of a manic episode. Manic episodes are diagnosed when symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, increased energy, little to no sleep, increased talking and risky behavior are significant enough to impact functioning.

    Mixed Mood Swings

    • Having moods that swing from depression to mania are considered mixed mood episodes. Mixed episodes are diagnosed when symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes are observed every day over a period of at least a week and impact functioning.

    Evaluation

    • Evaluation of mood swings is beneficial if an individual is suffering in school, work or relationships. An individual with severe mood swings may seek help from a mental health professional who will be able to evaluate and recommend options for treatment if necessary.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for mood swings that are diagnosed as meeting criteria for a mood disorder may include counseling, medication and/or hospitalization depending on how the mood swings are impacting daily functioning.

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