If your teen is displaying extreme mood changes, it’s normal to feel anxious or distressed. While shifts in mood are typical during the adolescent years, they can sometimes be cause for concern, especially if they are accompanied by other worrying problems such as substance use, eating disorders, changes in sleep patterns, or reckless behavior.1
As a parent, you naturally want to help your teen with their difficulties, but you might not know what to do. Guardian Recovery’s teen rehab is here for you. Our programs treat mental health, substance use, and behavioral issues in adolescents who are struggling. To find out more about our programs, or for a free assessment, reach out to us now.
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Normal vs. Concerning Mood Changes
During adolescent development, teens undergo a wide range of physical, psychological, emotional, and social changes that might leave you feeling like you don’t recognize your own child anymore. Rest assured that many of these changes are normal and are the result of biological processes that drive teen development.1 Normal changes can include daily variations and shifts in mood, exaggerated responses to seemingly innocuous situations, anxiety about school or friendships, or worries about appearance.2,3 Hormonal surges that occur during the teen years can lead to normal mood swings, irritability, and increased emotional responses.1 However, if your child is displaying troubling symptoms that you suspect could indicate the presence of a problem, such as depression or anxiety, it’s a good idea to consult your family doctor or a qualified mental health specialist to discuss your teen’s situation.Common Triggers for Mood Swings
A variety of factors can trigger mood swings in teens, including:4- Worries about academic performance.
- Social concerns.
- Hormonal changes.
- Stress.
- Family troubles.
- Physical changes.
- Social media.
- Criticism.
- Relationship issues, such as breakups.
- Being bullied.
Red Flags to Watch For in Your Teen
While some degree of mood instability is normal in the teen years, there are certain red flags that can indicate your child is struggling and could benefit from professional intervention.1 If you’re not sure whether the situation warrants help, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. To discuss your teen’s unique circumstances and struggles, please call us at 1-888-483-1517 to speak to a treatment advisor who can listen to your concerns, answer your questions, help you explore treatment options, and verify your insurance benefits.Sudden Personality Changes
Your teen’s personality continues to evolve and develop throughout adolescence. However, if they seem like a completely different person, it could mean that they are struggling with an undiagnosed mental health condition, such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other issues, such as substance use disorders.5  Sudden personality changes that are cause for immediate concern include:6- Hallucinations.
- Confusion.
- Delirium.
- Disorganized speech or behavior.
- Depression or mania.Â
Extreme Emotional Reactions
Over-the-top emotional reactions can be a cry for help. Your teen could be struggling with a variety of issues that can trigger dramatic emotional ups and downs and leave you feeling as though you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. An extreme reaction might mean:- Lashing out at others.
- Dramatic mood shifts, such as alternating between depression and euphoria/elation in a short time period.7
- Anger or rage outbursts.
- Crying for extended periods of time for no discernable reason.
- A paradoxical reaction, such as little or no emotions or feeling flat.
Isolation Patterns
Teens often want to spend more time alone, and this can be normal and even healthy from time to time, but extreme social withdrawal can be troubling.8 Red flags include spending increasing amounts of time alone, having little contact with friends, or appearing more reclusive, shy, or inhibited than usual.Sleep Disturbances
Changes in sleep patterns are typical during adolescence, with older teens often preferring to stay up later and sleep less than younger teens.9 However, extreme sleep disturbances, such as insomnia (difficulties falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) can indicate a potential problem and are often symptoms of psychiatric disorders like depression.1Academic Decline
When your teen’s grades suddenly decline or they experience other noticeable academic issues such as poor attendance or skipping classes, there could be a potential problem, such as substance use disorders, psychiatric conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or mood conditions like depression.5Complimentary Insurance Check
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Mental Health Considerations
Not every teen who displays mood swings has a mental health disorder, but extreme mood swings could indicate an underlying condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, substance use, or other problems.1 Only a qualified medical or mental health practitioner can diagnose these concerns, but it can be useful for you to be aware of some of the signs and symptoms of these disorders so you know when it’s time to reach out for help.Depression Indicators
Everyone experiences the blues from time to time, but depression in teens is a serious mental illness that goes beyond feeling sad or down for a few days.10 Signs that your teen might have depression include:10- Extreme sadness.
- Feeling empty or hopeless.
- Anger, irritability, or frustration, even if over seemingly small concerns.
- A lack of interest in previously-enjoyed activities.
- Sudden changes in weight or sleep patterns.
- Frequent fatigue or lethargy.
- Guilt or feelings of worthlessness.
- Concentration difficulties.
- Thoughts or talk of suicide.
Anxiety Symptoms
Most people know what it’s like to experience mild levels of anxiety, which is a normal reaction to stress.11  For example, people might feel butterflies in their stomach, have trouble sleeping, or notice an increased heart or breath rate. These symptoms usually subside once the stressor resolves or goes away. However, an anxiety disorder means that a teen experiences persistent symptom of extreme fear or dread that are out of proportion to the situation.11 There are different types of anxiety disorders, but some of the signs that your teen might be struggling can include:11- Panic attacks.
- Physical problems like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or sweating.
- Avoidance of social situations.
- Fear of leaving the house.
- Restlessness.
- Feeling on edge.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Muscle tension.
- Fatigue.
- Concentration problems.
Bipolar Disorder Signs
Bipolar disorder is a serious and complex condition that often starts in the teen years or early adulthood.7 If you suspect that your teen has bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek professional assistance right away, as treatment can help. Signs of bipolar disorder include both manic and depressive episodes.7 Signs of a manic episode can involve:7- Intense happiness or silliness.
- Extreme irritability.
- Trouble sleeping without fatigue.
- Racing thoughts or speech.
- Risk-taking behaviors.
- Inflated sense of their abilities or power.
- Frequent sadness for no apparent reason.
- Irritability, anger, or hostility.
- Excessive need for sleep.
- Â Unexplained physical aches and pains.
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Appetite changes.
- A lack of energy.
- Little or no interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Other Mood Disorders
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, teens may also struggle with a host of other mood disorders, including disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or dysthymia (a milder form of depression).12 Any changes in mood or emotion that are concerning to you should be evaluated by a medical or mental health professional to rule out the potential presence of a problem.Substance Use Connection
Symptoms of substance use can often mimic those associated with certain mental health conditions. For example, teens struggling with substance use may display a wide range of symptoms, such as erratic mood swings, apathy, personality changes, irritability, defensiveness, academic decline, and behavioral concerns.5 Additionally, substance use among teens with mental health conditions is common, and is referred to as a co-occurring condition, or dual diagnosis.13Our LocationsÂ
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When to Seek Professional Help
When you’ve noticed any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, it’s likely a good time to seek professional help. Prompt and early treatment is associated with a better chance of positive outcomes and can help your teen regain control of their lives and achieve their full potential. For a free and confidential call and an initial assessment, reach out to Guardian Recovery today.
Help and healing are possible, and we’re here to guide your teen along the path to recovery every step of the way.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Office of Population Affairs. (n.d.). Emotional Development.
- Torborg, L. (2016). Mayo Clinic Q and A: Rapid Mood Changes Normal For Teens.
- Office of Population Affairs. (n.d.). Mental Health for Adolescents.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Adolescent Development.
- Youth.gov. (n.d.). Warning Signs.
- First, M. (2024). Personality and Behavior Changes.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens.
- Lin H, Harrist AW, Lansford JE, Pettit GS, Bates JE, Dodge KA. Adolescent social withdrawal, parental psychological control, and parental knowledge across seven years: A developmental cascade model. J Adolesc. 2020;81:124-134. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.04.007
- Colrain IM, Baker FC. Changes in sleep as a function of adolescent development. Neuropsychol Rev. 2011;21(1):5-21. doi:10.1007/s11065-010-9155-5
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022). Teen Depression.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2023). What are Anxiety Disorders?
- Sekhon S, Gupta V. Mood Disorder. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558911/
- Youth.gov. (n.d.). Co-occurring Disorders.
