Mood Swings Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a person to have mood swings?

It is completely normal to experience mood swings. Part of being human is the wide range of emotions that one can experience. However, when mood swings dominate a person’s life, he or she may feel overwhelmed and desire more stability. Therapy and medication can be used to treat severe mood swings.

Are mood swings the same as Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression?

No. Mood swings are not as severe, nor do they last as long as the depressed and manic states of Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression.

What causes mood swings?

While it is difficult to pinpoint one specific cause of mood swings, researchers have proposed several options, including chemical imbalances and hormonal changes.

Chemical Imbalance

Most modern research indicates that mood disorder may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The experience of feelings such as happiness, stress, fear, depression or anxiety, occur when the brain releases chemicals called neurotransmitters. It is the release and re-absorption of these neurotransmitters that affect how a person feels. People who experience mood swings might have an imbalance of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepenephrine, GABA and dopamine. There are medicines and therapy techniques available that are designed to help establish a balance of the release, reuptake and absorption of these key neurotransmitters.

Hormonal Changes

Some women experience hormonal mood swings during or after pregnancy or with their menstrual cycles. Teenagers often experience mood swings after the introduction of sex hormones during puberty. Often, the mood swings are alleviated once the hormone levels have returned to normal.