Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Mood swings
Introduction
Overview
A mood swing is an extreme or rapid change in mood. They are commonly associated with mood disorders, of which the classic example is bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and also a major factor in hyperactive or hyperactive/inattentive ADHD. However, they should not be confused with these disorders, for they are not the same.
Other causes of mood swings are due to hormonal changes that can temporarily upset brain chemistry, such as during PMS, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause or puberty. As the hormones involved normalize, these mood swings generally subside on their own.
Causes
Drug Side Effect
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]