The National Mental Health Information Center reports that mood swings are a form of mental illness that affects millions of Americans each year. Common mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder. Although mood disorders can be a serious mental illness, they are treatable. Environmental factors and/or chemical imbalances in the brain may contribute to a person's mood swings. If left untreated, chronic mood swings can become debilitating.
Male Menopause
Mood swings are often a typical symptom of andropause, generally referred to as male menopause. Symptoms normally come on gradually and can affect a man's mental attitude and emotions. Doctors at Mayo Clinic say that depression in men may include signs such as irritability, social isolation, drinking too much, illegal drug use, or thrill-seeking by participating in risky behaviors.
Like women, as men get older, hormone levels begin to decrease. Low testosterone levels can contribute to the inability to concentrate, memory loss, feelings of sadness, lack of self-confidence and a decline in motivation.
Bipolar Disorder
The primary symptoms of the mania and depression associated with bipolar disorder include both behavioral and mood changes. People with bipolar disorder can experience long periods of manic and depressive episodes. Sometimes the episodes are so severe that they interfere with the individual's activities of daily living. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, although most individuals who have a family history of bipolar disorder do not develop the mental illness, they are four to six times more likely to suffer the disorder if they have a parent or sibling who has it. Men with bipolar disorder may also abuse alcohol or drugs and have relationship problems.
Diabetes
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, points out that extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels can contribute to changes in mood, which people with diabetes may experience. Check your blood sugar level on a routine basis, but especially when you notice a mood change. Talk to your doctor if mood swings persist or occur often. Your medication may need to be adjusted.
