Teenagers and mood swings generally go hand in hand. Teens are going through social, personal, and physiological changes that can affect their emotional state and outlook on life. As a parent, you may notice inconsistent sleep patterns, changes in appetite, increased sensitivity, and higher rates of irritability. However, if your teen’s symptoms are persistent and impact their functioning, they could have a mood disorder.
Watching your teen struggle can be scary and heartbreaking. Support from a mental health professional may be the next best step in achieving long-term, sustainable healing for your child.
Key Takeaways
- Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorders that affect a person’s emotions.
- Major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder in teens.
- If your child expresses thoughts or plans of suicide, contact the suicide helpline by dialing 988.
- Learning about your teen’s condition, their needs, and remaining supportive can be instrumental in helping your teen maintain their health and well-being.
An Overview of Common Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorders that specifically affect a person’s emotions. Here are the most common mood disorders:
- Bipolar disorder, characterized by periods of mania (racing thoughts, reckless behavior, grandiose view of self, insomnia or decreased need for sleep) and depression (loss of interest, fatigue or restlessness, hopelessness, sadness, apathy).
- Cyclothymia, consists of milder forms of mania and depression that are cyclical for at least a year.
- Hypomania, a milder form of mania lasting at least four days at a time
- Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), includes symptoms such as decreased energy, extreme sadness, appetite changes, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, insomnia or fatigue, and suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm. A major depressive episode lasts for a period of at least two weeks.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, defined by persistent outbursts of anger and extreme irritability that are out of proportion with the circumstance
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a depressed mood that is milder than a major depressive episode. A depressed mood is considered PDD if it lasts two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents.
- Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), defined by symptoms of anxiety, depression, emotional volatility, and irritability in the week prior to the menstrual cycle, with symptoms resolving after the cycle has concluded
Other mood disorders may develop as a result of:
- Substance use. Substance use can alter the balance of chemicals in the brain and body, producing symptoms of a mood disorder.
- Certain medications. Some medications that teens may be taking can have side effects that increase the risk of mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
What Causes Mood Disorders in Teens?
Mood disorders in teens can be caused by a number of genetic, environmental, personal, and social factors. Here are a few reasons why a mood disorder may develop:
Family History
Having a parent or relative with a mood disorder increases the likelihood that a teen will develop that condition. A predisposition is not a certainty, just a factor that can increase probability.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACES)
These experiences involve any situation in which a teen feels their life is in danger. Most often, an adverse experience includes abuse, neglect, violence, or witnessing violence; however, teens may also be impacted by situations like divorce or intense family conflict, being bullied, the death of someone close to them, a move or transition, pressure to conform, or difficulty making connections. These situations can feel like a threat to their everyday life and potentially foster the development of a mood disorder or mental health condition. Teens who have experienced more ACES are at an increased risk of developing mood disorders.
Additionally, as mentioned previously, medical conditions, medications, and substance use can cause mood disorders. That’s why it’s important to consult both medical and mental health professionals if you believe your teen is experiencing the symptoms of a mood disorder.
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How Mood Disorders Impact Teens
Mood disorders in adolescents can manifest in a variety of symptoms, some of which may be severe. Here are some signs that your teen may be experiencing a mood disorder:
- Significant loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Rapid speech and irrational ideas
- Exaggerated or grandiose sense of self
- Periods of extreme hyperactivity followed by “crashes,” including depression
- Increase in reckless or risk-taking behavior
- Extreme irritability that seems cyclical
- Frequent outbursts of anger that don’t seem appropriate in response to the situation(s)
- Overwhelmed by or unable to perform regular tasks
- Depressed, numb, or sad mood that continues for a long period
- Suicidal ideation or plans to commit suicide
If your child expresses thoughts or plans of suicide, contact the suicide helpline by dialing 988. Getting your child medical or mental health assistance is a top priority to ensure their safety and well-being. It’s also important to make sure that any firearms or prescription drugs with abuse or overdose potential are locked away.
The Facts About Mood Disorders in Teens
Major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder in teens. In a study of over 295,000 teens meeting the criteria for mood disorders, the International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine revealed the following:
- 46 percent had single episodes of major depressive disorder
- 22 percent had recurrent major depressive disorder
- 19 percent had a form of bipolar disorde
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), many American adolescents (ages 12–17) are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts:
- 40 percent reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year
- 1 in 5 reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year
- 16 percent reported making a suicide plan in the past year
- 9 percent reported attempting suicide in the past year
Mood disorders and other mental health conditions can be exacerbated by substance use, even though teens may often turn to substances to try to numb their feelings or symptoms. The CDC says the following about teen substance use:
- 22 percent reported drinking alcohol in the previous month
- 17 percent report using marijuana in the previous month
- 4 percent report misusing prescription pain medication in the previous month
- 1 in 10 say they have used illicit drugs at least once
Mood Disorders in Children
Children ages 7–11 can also develop mood disorders. While this is less common, children who have more adverse childhood experiences (ACES) may show signs of these conditions. Moreover, because of the pervasiveness of technology and Internet accessibility, more children have been exposed to content that is violent, explicit, or not age appropriate, increasing the likelihood of trauma or mental health challenges.
Significant family instability, placement in foster care, and loss of a caregiver can cause trauma for children under age 11 and be triggers for mood disorders. The experience of family disruption, abandonment, or parental loss can threaten a child’s sense of safety. Symptoms of mood disorders in children include sadness, disaffected mood, mood swings, extreme irritability, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes.
How Do I Prevent a Mood Disorder in My Teen?
Parents always want to do their best for their children. But it’s not always possible to prevent mood disorders or other mental health conditions. Some of the factors contributing to mental health issues—such as genetics, a child’s temperament, and traumatic experiences outside the family—aren’t in a parent’s control.
Whether or not a child is struggling with their mental health, parents can focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where kids feel like their feelings are acknowledged and respected. Maintaining consistent routines, such as bedtimes and meal times, also helps adolescents manage their emotions and behaviors while providing a sense of predictability and comfort.
How Can I Help My Teen Live with a Mood Disorder?
The first step to helping your teen is to seek guidance from a medical or mental health professional. It’s important to rule out any medication issues or underlying conditions, and then to offer your teen the opportunity to receive counseling and support.
Learning about their condition, your teen’s needs, and staying supportive throughout the process can be instrumental in helping your teen maintain their health and well-being. It may take time to find the right solutions and gain stability, but you are not alone in the process.
Residential and Outpatient Care for Children and Teens with Mood Disorders
If you are struggling to help your teen with a mood disorder, know that support is just a phone call away. At Newport Academy, we provide compassionate care for children and teens with mood disorders in both residential and outpatient settings.
Our research-backed treatment program helps children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18 learn how to manage their emotional and mental health and thrive in life again. We are ready to assist you and your family in the process of healing. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
Stat Pearls Publishing. 2025 Jan.
Int J Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2021 Feb; 9(2): 89–97. doi: 10.1016.
