Some mood swings can be normal in adolescence. Hormones, brain development, sleep changes, peer stress, academic pressure, and growing independence can all play a role. However, it is not uncommon for mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder to start at around this age. So, how do you tell the difference as a parent?
Mood disorders differ from typical mood swings. The good news is that they’re highly treatable. Early intervention supports better outcomes. If you suspect that it’s likely something more than typical mood swings due to concerns, the first step is to get a mental health evaluation for your teen.
How long is too long? How intense is too intense? How do we know when we need to book an evaluation? These are all common things parents ask. Portum Wellness provides effective and compassionate care for teens and families. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the appropriate next steps.
Are Mood Swings Normal in Teenagers?
Normal shifts in mood for teenagers can include some irritability, sadness, frustration, or annoyance that passes. They can need quiet time and may push boundaries or talk back here and there. This is part of the developmental stage adolescents are in. It can be difficult for parents, but it is to be expected.
Usually, typical mood swings in teens happen in response to something, like a bad day or conflict. After somewhere from a few hours to a day or two, the teen feels better. These are not the same as extreme highs and lows or continuous emotional pain that disrupts daily life.
When Mood Swings May Signal Something More
While you cannot diagnose your child, there are signs you can look for to determine whether a teen’s shifts in mood may signal something more.
- Duration. Typical teenage mood swings are short-lived – anywhere from a few minutes to a day or two. If it’s a consistent problem, professional help is important because it can provide relief from moods that don’t go away on their own.
- Intensity. Symptoms that are more disruptive, like severe feelings of depression, loss of interest in activities or hobbies they would usually enjoy, frequent angry outbursts, or excessive crying, indicate the need for professional mental health support.
- Interference. Typical teenage mood swings do not interfere with a teen’s ability to function or take care of themselves (e.g., go to school, complete assignments, see friends, brush their hair and teeth, eat, or sleep). If a teen’s functioning has decreased, it is time to find mental health care.
- Risk. If a teen is at risk of harming themselves or someone else, seek help immediately.
There are also red flags that indicate the need for professional intervention regardless of how long they’ve been going on.
Red Flags Parents Should Not Ignore
Here are six red flags in teen mental health you should not ignore.
- Self harm
- Suicidal thoughts
- Major withdrawal
- Risky behavior (e.g., drug and alcohol use, unsafe sex, disordered eating)
- Severe irritability, aggression, or violence
- Major sleep changes
Symptoms like self-harm, suicidal ideation, risky behavior, and severe irritability, aggression, or violence require crisis care. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if they are in immediate danger. If you’re not sure, 988 (the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline) can help.
How Long Is “Too Long”?
A bad day is not the same as repeated patterns lasting for days or weeks. If symptoms last for two weeks or more, affect quality of life, or impact functioning (e.g., personal hygiene tasks, social interaction, school assignments), you should schedule an evaluation for your teen.
Teenage Mood Swings vs. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves distinct mood episodes (mania, hypomania, and/or depression). These episodes are not the same as the mood swings that are a typical and expected part of teen development.
- Mania: Lasts for at least one week (unless the teen is hospitalized and treated). The teen may be euphoric (overly excited, on top of the world) or highly irritable and agitated. They will have increased energy despite sleeping less. They may be impulsive, talk quickly, or have many new ideas. Some (not all) experience psychosis.
- Hypomania: Lasts for at least four days. This is a lower-level form of mania that can include elevated mood, agitation or irritability, increased goal-directed behavior, impulsivity, grandiosity, and reduced need for sleep.
- Depression: Feeling down, low, or depressed, irritability, excessive crying or emotional numbness, feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty, social isolation, changes in appetite or sleep, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, trouble focusing, and/or difficulty completing daily tasks (e.g., personal hygiene, school work).
One must have experienced hypomania, mania, or both to get diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Sometimes, bipolar disorder symptoms can overlap with those seen in other conditions. However, they may be treated differently. This is part of why a professional evaluation is so important.
Mood Disorders in Youth – Getting Your Teen Evaluated
An evaluation can clarify whether or not your child has a mood disorder. The evaluation process involves thoroughly reviewing your teen’s personal history and ruling out other causes of symptoms. If your child has a mood disorder, treatment can help. This looks different for everyone but may involve therapy, family support, coping skills, and, when appropriate, psychiatric care or structured programs. To learn more about adolescent mood disorder treatment at Portum Wellness, call (551) 368-6074.
FAQs
Are mood swings normal in teenagers?
Yes. Some mood swings are normal during adolescence. These are to be expected and are not to be pathologized. They become more concerning when shifts in mood are intense, persistent, unsafe, or interfere with school, relationships (e.g., friendships), sleep, or daily life.
When should I worry about teenage mood swings?
Worry if mood changes last for weeks, come with withdrawal, hopelessness, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, risky behavior, severe irritability, or major changes in sleep or appetite. These indicate the need for professional help and may require crisis care for stabilization.
Are teenage mood swings the same as bipolar disorder?
No. Bipolar disorder involves distinct mood episodes. These can look different from person to person and are not what stereotypes and media depictions may lead families to believe. Parents should not try to diagnose it based on moodiness alone. A psychiatrist can help your family distinguish bipolar disorder from teen mood swings.