HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Medication For Mood Swings And Irritability

Posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2017

Question: I have a 16 year old daughter that has major mood swings, and is always reserved and is mad at the world. I am afraid that she is depressed. Her dad and I both take meds for issues as well.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please elaborate her symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern please elaborate her symptoms in detail. She is just 16 and at this age it's common to have mood swings. Hormonal changes at this age results in mood swings and this could be irritability reduced social interaction this could be reserved nature like she is having.

If she is functioning normally in her school and is normal in her studies then I don't think she is depressed. Since you have mentioned that both of you are on treatment for some mood issues so yes she is at risk of developing depression but right now I don't think she is having depression if she is just reserved.

Please elaborate her symptoms in detail in follow up question.

Thanks and take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (15 minutes later)

She has major mood swings, yells/screams. She does good in her studies but she use to love basketball and now says hates everything about it. She still does it but does not give it her all. She gets so agitated with everyone and everything. If something does not go her way then she is not just mad or upset she is over the top. She can be fine one second and hates everyone the next. I know that she is a teenager but there is something more.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Psychological interventions can help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Thanks for providing details. If the mood swings are to such extent that these are difficult to manage and she is not performing good then these things can't be overlooked. Sudden onset yelling or screaming on minor issues could be due to underlying mood disturbance.

If her mood is persistently bad and she is not enjoying her day to day routine then these symptoms are pointing towards depression.

I'd advise you to consult a psychiatrist and ask for evaluation. Cognitive therapy and counselling can help to reduce these symptoms. These are not typical symptoms of depression but are part of atypical depression. In most cases psychological interventions help to reduce the symptoms.

Thanks

Please don't hesitate to ask for more doubts.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar