Mood swings: fact or myth? An inescapable rite of teen life is riding an emotional roller coaster--euphoric one minute, despondent the next. Science World talked to Dr. Bruce Waslick, a child psychiatrist at Columbia University in New York City, to get to the truth about your moods. (Teen health issue: mutual health, emotions).

Q: What are mood swings?

Mood swings generally refer to rapidly changing emotional states: Commonly, mood swings vary from happiness to sadness, or from a feeling of contentment to one of irritability. Often, mood swings seem to occur without an identifiable cause. Teens should know that learning to deal with strong emotions like love, anger, and sadness is necessary in growing up and living a healthy adult life.

Q: Are teens moodier than any other age group?

Overall, no. Generally, teens are more reactive to positive and negative events than adults. They also live more in the moment, so they tend to experience things more intensely. But most teens are free of severe mood swings like depression and euphoria. Boredom, anger, worries, and sadness are normal parts of emotional life--if not experienced for prolonged periods of time.

Q: When do mood swings indicate depression?

When moodiness causes someone to stop attending or performing in school, leads to losing close friends, or promotes major conflicts with family members, normal mood swings have crossed over into a problem that can be a significant health concern. Some people are prone to developing problems with a particular emotion like sadness, or clinical depression, which can last for weeks or months. If this happens, it may be necessary for a depressed person to consult a mental health professional.

Q: Why are some people moodier than others?

Different people are born with different temperments, which is evident in children as old as one or two. Some kids are laid back and calm, others shy or high-strung. Some kids have gone through circumstances like divorce or abusive relationships. The way we experience emotions is a combination of inborn personality traits and different life events that shape who we are and how we feel.

Q: Is there a biochemical or hormonal link?

Emotions and mood swings occur as a result of biochemical processes in the brain, though no one knows exactly which processes lead to certain feelings or problems. Hormones (body chemicals) influence the development of all parts of the body. Teens may develop more problems with moods due to hormonal changes brought on by puberty--but this isn't yet proven scientifically.

Q: Does the developing adolescent brain play a role in mood swings?

Absolutely. The brain goes through a great deal of development during adolescence, as teens change from individuals who mostly rely on adults to people who can live and function independently.

Q: How do you deal with a moody friend?

Being a friend means offering support, giving someone a chance to discuss his or her problems. Sometimes, just hanging out can go a long way to help an upset friend. But when a friend develops more severe emotional problems, it's usually necessary to get adults like trusted parents, doctors, or counselors involved. The worst thing teens can do when experiencing severe mood swings is to keep everything to themselves. Sharing your problems with someone you trust is a big step toward learning to be an adult.

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Directions: Answer the following in complete sentences.

1. Why is it important for teens to learn to deal with strong emotions? Cite what you are learning from one example in your life.

2. In the article Dr. Waslick suggests that one way to deal with a moody friend is to offer support. Define some ways you would like to help or like to be helped.

ANSWERS

Mood Swings

1. Teens should know that learning to deal with strong emotions like love, anger, and sadness is necessary to grow up and live a healthy adult life.

2. Answers will vary.