Early Warning Signs Of Mental Illness

Extreme Changes In Mood

Extreme changes in mood can be an early sign of mental illness, especially if they seem to occur with little to no prompting. Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, classically presents with alternating periods of extremely elevated mood and extreme depression. Manic episodes cause increased impulsivity and can come with emotional highs like euphoria, anger, or sometimes both. Traditional bipolar disorder has highs and lows that last months or even years, but rapid-cycling bipolar disorder occurs when there are four or more episodes per year. Ultradian rapid cycling bipolar disorder can sometimes be caused by medication side effects and lead to multiple mood swings per day. Another mental illness that causes extreme mood swings is borderline personality disorder. Individuals with this condition often have tumultuous, codependent, conflict-filled relationships because they have trouble maintaining a sense of self when alone. Other disorders, such as intermittent explosive disorder, might occur with explosive and irrational bouts of anger followed by relative calm and shame.

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