We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Causes of Teenage Mood Swings?

By Jacob Queen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,886
Share

Teenage mood swings have been blamed on everything from environmental factors to hormones. Over time, experts have come to a general consensus that teenage emotional problems often stem from a combination of factors working together. Hormones and physical changes are typically considered a big part of the cause, but often, there are other external factors as well, such as new responsibilities and more stringent behavioral expectations that typically come into play during the teen years. The physical changes and the effects they have on a teen's coping ability can make it difficult for the teen to deal with lifestyle changes and the general increase in external stress factors, often leading to unexpected emotional outbursts.

Hormonal surges that occur during puberty are thought to be one of the main contributing factors leading to teenage mood swings. Changes in body chemistry can causes all sorts of confusing feelings, including everything from depression to anger, and in many cases, teens feel a growing need for independence, causing them to rebel against authority figures. The physical changes of puberty can also lead to worries about cosmetic appearance, adding additional stress and leading to emotional difficulties.

Some of the main factors that may be responsible for teenage mood swings are changes in the brain. Teens may look like adults on the outside, but the brain is actually still developing during the teen years, and the area in the brain that helps people control their emotions and regulate their behavior is one of the main areas that still needs development at that time. As a result, teens may find that it's much more difficult to keep their emotions contained, and the increase in hormonal activity can potentially make this more severe.

Another factor that often leads to teenage mood swings is the increasing pressure and stress that society gradually puts on people as they grow up. In many cases, experts suggest that teens aren't emotionally ready for the kind of responsibilities they're faced with, and all the hormonal changes they're dealing with don't typically make things any easier. Additionally, they often have the added confusion of their first real romantic relationships, leading to lots of upheaval in their lives that they've never had to deal with before.

Teenage mood swings can be a tough challenge for the parents, and for the teens themselves. Experts suggest that many teens may benefit from channeling energy into something else, like teen sports or other extracurricular activities at school. In some cases, mood swings can become so severe that they lead to dangerous behaviors or suicidal thoughts, and in these situations, therapy and other measures such as medication may be required.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon233155 — On Dec 04, 2011

I have many intense mood swings. My parents think it is just because I am a teenager, and that I am immature and whiny. How do I tell them that most teenagers do the same?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-causes-of-teenage-mood-swings.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.