When a mood swing signals trouble
A little bit of moodiness now and then is normal for
everyone. But sometimes the onset of irritability, sadness, or apathy can be a
sign of a serious condition, reports the September
2014 Harvard Health Letter.
"Mood-related symptoms can come and go in response
to everyday stresses. If they occur for long periods, cause significant
distress, or interfere with daily functioning, it's an indication to seek help,"
says Dr. Nancy Donovan, an instructor in psychiatry
at Harvard Medical School.
Mood and stress are regulated by a number of systems that
include brain structures, nerve networks, and chemical neurotransmitters.
Damage to any of these can show up as a change in mood. Mood changes can reflect
a psychiatric disorder. Sadness, irritability, anxiety, and a loss of interest
and pleasure can be signs of depression. Sometimes a mood change stems from a disease
or disorder such as thyroid disease or dementia. "In our neuropsychiatry
clinic at
Brigham and Women's Hospital, patients with dementia frequently come for
treatment of apathy, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes,"
says Dr. Donovan.
Mood can change because of a sleep disorder. Too little
restful sleep can lead to irritability and anxiety. Or mood symptoms may be a
medication side effect. For example, the steroid medication prednisone can
cause nervousness or mood swings.
The take-home message is that sudden or unexplained
changes in mood shouldn't be ignored. "Don't hesitate to talk to a doctor
and go for ...
Source: New Harvard Health Information - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
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