Mood swings are sudden changes of thoughts and emotions. A person at one time may be happy and elated but abruptly he may become sad and depressed. It can be a reactive phase to the circumstances or the environment in which a person dwells. In some cases it may develop just without any reasonable cause. Any person can suffer from sudden change in mood. But it is quiet unnerving task for parents to tackle when their teenage child exhibits irrational mood change.
Mood changes in teenagers is quite common, however, its severity may vary from one person to another.
Aside from physical changes in teenagers, external factors can also contribute this process. Parent’s intervention and counseling during this phase of their child plays an important role in preventing further damage in his behavior.
What Causes Irrational Mood Swings In Teenagers?
Emotional highs and lows are part of teenage life. Changes in hormones during this period are a major trigger for mood swings.
Change is reproductive organs, height, and voice, can lead to confusion and irrational behavior and mood. When they observe these changes and compare it with their peers during this transitional phase of life, they may feel more uncomfortable.
Today teenagers are under extreme pressure to succeed in their academic carrier. They are more socially connected and comparison with peers often results in irritation, depression, sadness and such other irrational behavior.
Mood and behavioral change in teenagers can be due to drug abuse. During their growing phase of life, they have an inner desire to experiment things. Exposure and experimentation with drug and alcohol has become a significant concern for mood swings and irrational behavior among teens. Abuse of these substances also poses risk of getting addicted.
Severe changes in mood and behavior may be due to underlying mental condition in some teenagers. The conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression can be the cause. Mood swings in such case is characterized by extreme happiness in one moment, behaving like a kid or lack of concentration in one subject.
Some teens suffering from mental disorders can become intensely sad and have suicidal thoughts. In such situations parents have to intervene immediately and seek professional psychiatric help.
Symptoms Of Irrational Mood Swings
Mood swings and irrational behavior in teenagers can produce these symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme weakness
- Lack of judgment
- Low frustration tolerance
- Confused and forgetfulness
- Sudden sadness and euphoria.
- Hand wringing, hair pulling are common symptoms when he is agitated.
- Spontaneous movement and averted gaze.
- Responds to questions with single word. They exhibit delayed response to questions.
- Lack of concentration and attention.
- Grandiose theme of exaggerated power, knowledge and worth.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and drug abuse.
- Suicidal thoughts