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 Common Causes of Sudden Mood Swings?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,217
Share

The common causes of sudden mood swings range from brain or other disorders to substance abuse and side effects of some medications. Mood changes may occur suddenly in a new environment or situation. Pregnancy and menstrual cycles also commonly cause mood swings as do hormones during adolescence. Other common causes of mood swings that may appear suddenly are cardiovascular and lung disease as well as seizures and strokes.

When a person suffers a stroke, brain damage may cause extreme emotions as well as changes in thoughts and behaviors. Sudden depression and anger may also be caused from the stroke sufferer's feelings about losing speech, movement or other physical skills. Seizures and sudden mood changes are related in that depression or irritability may occur just minutes before a seizure. Sudden mood swings in cardiovascular or lung disease may occur due to the brain receiving less oxygen and blood nutrients. The individual may suddenly feel disoriented or agitated and experience difficulty in concentrating.

During adolescence, the increase of sex hormones in the body may cause sudden mood changes. The experience of abrupt changes in mood or emotions typically don't last, though in females they may recur before each menstrual cycle. Premenstrual disorder (PMS) is a common cause of mood swings that may present as mild sadness or irritability about one or two weeks before the start of each menstruation cycle. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more severe form of PMS with stronger mood swings typically occurring. Mood swings during or after pregnancy that appear suddenly are also common and usually due to hormonal changes.

In a stressful situation or new environment, it's common to experience sudden mood swings such as an easy going attitude than changes into anxiety or irritability. The chemical signals to the brain may change due to stress or fear in unfamiliar surroundings or new or difficult situations. Hormones such as adrenaline may create a sudden change in mood such as a "sped up" feeling and a rush of energy or urgency.

Some medications may cause sudden changes in mood due to changes the chemicals create when mixing with brain chemistry. Substance abuse, either of drugs or alcohol, is also a common cause of sudden mood swings relating to brain chemistry changes. Brain and mood disorders also cause mood changes of which a chemical imbalance may be at the root. Sudden shifts in mood are extremely common in bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic depression because of the cycles of elation contrasting with depressive episodes. People with rapid cycling or mixed episode types of bipolar disorders may especially be prone to sudden changes in mood.

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 bear78 — On Aug 28, 2013

@turquoise-- It's not a good idea to jump to conclusions, because there are many other causes of mood swings too. It can be a health condition or a psychological condition. How old is your friend? He could just be going through a hormonal change.

I have severe mood swings a week before my menstruation. I become a monster and pick fights with everyone around me. I return to normal after a week. Hormones play a very big part in our mood and emotions, more so than we realize.

By turquoise — On Aug 28, 2013

@ysmina-- Drug abuse can definitely cause mood swings. I was abusing prescription drugs for a while and I know from my experiences that drug addiction causes a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can cause personality changes and sudden mood changes. Like I would be very happy one moment and absolutely miserable the next. It was not normal at all.

I got treatment and have been clean for fifteen years. If possible, try to support your friend and encourage him to stop without pressurizing him.

By ysmina — On Aug 28, 2013

I think my friend might be abusing drugs. He has been acting very weird lately. He used to be a very calm guy and now he has sudden mood swings and becomes angry and aggressive. I can't recognize him, it's like he's a different person.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-common-causes-of-sudden-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.