Psychosomatics expert tells why mood swings are dangerous

doctor, psychosomatologist, neuropsychologist.

“Mood swings happen to absolutely everyone. From small to large. It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman. In fact, the main factor affecting how much a person is subject to these swings is the state of his psyche. What signs here indicate the presence of violations? Increased emotionality and excitability, sudden aggression or laughter, sudden tears, as well as inability to concentrate on tasks and insomnia.”

Mood swings can be a single symptom that can lead to the development of the disease. But also such manifestations often indicate that the disease already exists and requires urgent treatment. The fact is that in some cases severe consequences are possible. For example, partial or complete falling out of society, the development of neurological diseases, addiction to bad habits, as well as suicidal incidents.

In case you have traced in yourself the above violations, it is necessary to contact a psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist. The specialist with the help of various techniques will be able to correctly diagnose the symptoms.

Identification of the causes

To begin with, the psychologist (psychotherapist) conducts a conversation with the patient. If necessary – and with his loved ones. This allows you to see the overall picture of violations.

At the time of the conversation, the behavior of the person, methods of verbal and nonverbal communication, facial expressions and character are monitored. For a more complete picture, various psychophysiological tests, projective tests (e.g. Rorscharkh or Etkind) and questionnaires can be used.

Having collected anamnesis, the therapist can identify the type of illness that is causing the mood swings. There are only three of them: depressive, bipolar disorders and cyclothymia. With the first, mood swings can manifest temporarily or linger for years. It all depends on the type of depression. If it is clinical, it is the most difficult type to treat, in which it is important to choose the right antidepressants.

If the depression is minor, it usually lasts for a few weeks. With treatment, it passes without consequences. Another distinction is made between atypical, postpartum depression and dysthymia.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by a frequent change of state from depression to euphoria. This form carries a serious danger for both the patient and his or her environment. To get rid of his condition, a person can get addicted to drugs or alcohol, which will only increase the manifestation of the disease.

In the cyclothymic type of mood swings, which occurs most often, a person experiences either a low mood or an elevated mood. He may start doing something on the upswing and abruptly end it without finishing it. Often he or she has low self-esteem, has difficulty sleeping, and has problems with performance.

It is believed that about 0.4-1% of the population has this type of disorder, but in practice the percentage can be much higher due to hypodiagnosis.

The fact is that it is quite difficult to distinguish cyclothymia from other disorders. Genetic factors can contribute to its development. This is if someone in the family suffers from mood swings or bipolar disorder, for example. The cause may be changes in the structure and chemical composition of the brain, which is classified as a neurobiological factor. Environmental factors also play a role – if a person has had several traumatic experiences in a row or is under chronic stress.

The following factors are also distinguished:

• character traits;

• alcohol and drug abuse;

• medical problems;

• lack of sleep and so on.

And often the appearance of cyclothymia is caused by the presence of several factors at once.

For the most accurate diagnosis of the disease, the patient, in addition to consultation with a psychotherapist, may be appointed additional examinations. For example, MRI or CT scan. And also – consultation of doctors of a narrower profile: neurologist, oncologist and endocrinologist.

Treatment and prevention

As a rule, the course of treatment of mood swings consists of several stages.

• First, the patient is prescribed drug therapy: antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and so on. All – according to an individual prescription from the therapist.

• Secondly, psychotherapy is indicated. Depending on the state of the person, it can be individual or group, as well as combined.

• Thirdly, it is important to have patience and allocate time for rehabilitation, which will restore a person’s communicative abilities. Various methods can be used here, including therapeutic exercise (LFK), manual therapy, injections and so on.

For the general prevention of mood swings, it is important to organize a daily regimen. It is desirable to wake up and fall asleep at approximately the same time. Eat according to the regimen and choose healthy food, exclude sharp fluctuations in blood sugar. Do not starve.

It is also important to be sure to build trusting relationships with loved ones, talk about your problems, feelings and control the information noise. Let there be less disturbing news and more activities “to your liking”. In general, avoid stressful situations.

Despite the fact that both cyclothymia and bipolar disorder are considered incurable diseases, you can learn to control symptoms and lead a normal life. In order to build a long-term partnership, it is important to understand the peculiarities of your psyche and tell your loved one about them. You need to learn how to manage them so they don’t ruin your marriage or business.

Of course, you need to be in therapy and take the prescribed medications.

Therefore, you should not ignore your condition. At the first signs it is worth contacting a specialist. Early diagnosis will level the impact of the disease on all areas of a person’s life.