Mood Dysregulation

Do you feel like you or a family member is riding an emotional rollercoaster? Ups and downs ranging from elation to sadness to rage can indicate a variety of mental health challenges. Those struggling with bipolar, trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, autism, and ADHD are at a greater risk for high peaks, low valleys, and impulsive decisions that result in consequences.

Mood dysregulation doesn’t have to be a disturbance in your or your loved one’s life. The providers at Atlanta Specialized Care are proud to offer comprehensive, evidence-based solutions for a wide range of mood dysregulation disorders.

What is Mood Dysregulation?

Mood dysregulation is a condition in which individuals struggle to maintain balance in their emotions. It is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, often from feeling very low to becoming excessively irritable and angry. It can be caused by an imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain, or it may be associated with underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Those who experience this type of dysregulation often feel overwhelmed by intense feelings of sadness or anger, which can impact their ability to cope with everyday life.

There are various different forms of mood dysregulation, including:

The list above is by no means comprehensive. Oftentimes, a patient may experience two or more different types of mood disorders at the same time. For this reason, we encourage patients to seek out treatment at their earliest convenience, allowing them the opportunity to restore balance to their lives once again.

Mood Dysregulation Symptoms

Mood dysregulation can manifest in many different ways, and symptoms often are unique to each individual patient. That being said, there are several common symptoms of mood dysregulation in men and women, including:

  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Self-sabotaging and high-risk behaviors
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Excessive worrying and anxiety
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Inability to complete tasks despite a desire to do so
  • Intense feelings of sadness or emptiness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Outbursts of anger or tearfulness
  • Social isolation due to embarrassment about one’s behavior
  • Unpredictable shifts in mood

Woman shouting On Video call

Man suffered with Mood Dysregulation

Mood Dysregulation Treatment

Mood dysregulation treatments can often involve a combination of medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Psychotherapy or counseling is often recommended as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with mood dysregulation. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the form of individual and group therapies are one of the most common types of therapies used to treat mood dysregulation and involves addressing both thoughts and behaviors that contribute to symptoms of depression or other mood dysregulation concerns.

Medications used to treat mood dysregulation typically include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help regulate emotions and restore balance in the brain's neurotransmitters. Antipsychotics may be used to reduce aggressive behavior or reduce anxiety levels. Mood stabilizers can help control extreme mood swings and reduce the frequency of manic episodes. Anti-anxiety medications can also be helpful in controlling anxiety symptoms that may be associated with mood dysregulation.

Your mood dysregulation treatment plan is going to be unique to you and your individual needs. At Atlanta Specialized Care, our specially trained providers will provide you with a personalized treatment plan after providing you with an accurate diagnosis for your condition.

Mood Dysregulation Treatment in Atlanta & Alpharetta, GA

Get the help you need for your mood dysregulation disorder with the specialists at Atlanta Specialized Care. For more information about our treatments for mood dysregulation or other mental health disorders, please call Atlanta Specialized Care at (770) 815-6853 or arrange a consultation online by using our information request form.