Are violent and sporadic mood swings a sign of clinical depression?

Question

Sometimes I have very intense mood swings that can sometimes be a little violent. They don't just come out of no where, little things will bug me and eventually I'll get set off and just be enraged. Is this a sign of depression?

I am about to turn 20 years old and have been experiencing the mood swings for the past few years. They are off-and-on. Maybe a handful of times every two months.

I am about to turn 20 years old and have been experiencing the mood swings for the past few years. They are off-and-on. Maybe a handful of times every two months.

Answer 1

It could be a sign of depression. I disagree with the possible diagnosis of bipolar because it sounds like you are angry, not manic. There is a difference. (The actual prevalence of Bipolar is only about 1-2% anyway) However, do not go by my rudimentary assessment alone because I have never met you.

Anger is a sign of depression. Its very common with young children, although I understand you are 20. Everyone deals with depression in their own ways. Some people internalize it. They brood and cry and sleep all day. They tend to dwell on themselves and their lives. Other people externalize it. Rather than look inside themselves, for these people, it's so much easier to blame others or lash out at other people.

One of the problem with depression is that some people don't know how to cope with it. The internalizers may bottle it all up, but they will release it by crying. The externalizers may bottle it all up, and like a bottle of soda, all it takes is just a little bit of shaking to make them explode.

There could be many reasons for your anger and the fact that you recognize it as a problem is a good sign. The only way for you to know is to seek the help of a professional.

Answer 2

If you have had at least five of the depression symptoms listed below - especially if you feel depressed and have lost interest in things that you used to enjoy - you may be suffering from depression.

1. Depressed Mood
A person may report feeling "sad" or "empty" or may cry frequently. Children and adolescents may exhibit irritability.
2. Decreased Interest or Pleasure
A person may show markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, daily activities.
3. Weight Changes
Significant changes in weight when not attempting to gain or lose (a gain or loss of 5% or more in a month) may be indicative of depression. In children, this may also present as a failure to make expected weight gains.
4. Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia or sleeping too much may be a symptom of depression.
5. Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation
The person may be observed to be either agitated and restless or physically slowed down in their movements.
6. Fatigue
Deep fatigue or a loss of energy is a symptom of depression.
7. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
A depressed person may feel that they have no value or they may feel inappropriately guilty about things they have no control over.
8. "Brain Fog"
A depressed person may have a diminished ability to think, concentrate or make decisions.
9. Thoughts of Death
A depressed person may have frequent thoughts of death and suicide, although they may or may not have an actual plan for carrying it out.

Answer 3

It sounds as if you should be evaluated for a mood disorder. These symptoms may relate to a mood disorder or perhaps anger issues, and possibly other issues.

The violence needs to be addressed.

You are at the age when many health issues become diagnosable.

In addition to the professional evaluation, look into natural health care and the aspects of self health management that are within your control: getting enough sleep, staying on a regular day/ night schedule, good nutrition, cutting out alcohol and drugs caffeine and nicotine ( these each worsen mood issues). Consider whether you may have blood sugar problems ( low blood sugar is a contributor to irritability and anger) Thyroid problems are worth investigating. Make sure you get a good and balanced diet, and do not over stress yourself, place the focus on your health and long term wellbeing.

All of these things and many more can affect moods. It is in your best interest to learn all the things that contribute to your problems and deal with them. The wide ranging effects of a mood disorder neglected can be life altering.

Answer 4

I would look into a rarely known and surprisingly very common affliction called Intermittent Explosive Disorder
it is something that could be an everyday occurance .. like road rage.. or spilled milk on the floor really gets you going.. and the anger becomes disruptive and uncontrollable.. follow this link and be sure to see a doctor or psychologist for a proper diagnosis..
you may find this link to be very helpful?
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/intermittent_explosive_disorder.jsp
But, definitely keep yourself from following any of the things that are said on here.. playing doctor is a whole lot different than being one.. and nobody here is in a position to know you or what this might be. Get checked out.. it may be serious. Especially if it is causing a disruption to your home life or work/school
The link suggests that this IED is commonly and closely associated with many other afflictions that occur at the same time.
Good Luck to you :)

Answer 5

Mood swings r a typical sign of depression, or bi-polar disorder(have highs and lows) but that doesn't mean you are. It sounds like maybe you have a tendency to let things that bother u build up to the point of one day there's no room left and you erupt like a volcano on whoever just got u at the wrong time. That happens to me. I let things go so far that a blow out like a steam pipe that just burst. Either way it's not healthy, you should talk to someone about it.

Answer 6

Sounds a little bi-polar to me. Depression is possible also, even along with a bi-polar disorder. It's important to mention ALL your symptoms to your physician, as some medications for depression will just aggravate symptoms of bi-polar disorder.

If you work with your doctor and share all of your concerns, you will have a very good likelihood of success with proper treatment. If your doctor seems abrupt or your interview seems too brief, you might consider consulting a second physician until you find one that you can really relate to and that you feel comfortable with. Unfortunately, the physician himself can bring some of his own attitudes into treatment and, sometimes, they can interfere with your own progress.

Good luck to you. Stay on top of this. Uncontrolled anger can become quite a stumbling block when it comes to achieving your goals in life.
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After reading your update, I wanted to add that, from what I have recently learned, bi-polar disorder often shows up when a person reaches the age of 19 or so. I don't know why this is. When it happened to a family member, we were told that this is quite common. Coincidentally, all of the other people we have talked to who have experienced this with their children found the same thing. Seriously, if this is your diagnosis, you will find that it is quite treatable and you should be able to manage it quite well. Good luck.

Answer 7

Not only can it be a sign of depression, it can be a sign of mania or bipolar disorder it can also be a sign of many other disorders such as Diabetes (wild fluctuations in blood sugar can affect personality) endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, and could just also be a stress issue.

See your doctor and describe the mood swings, what brings them on and how you feel after wards as this is very important information needed to help diagnose you.

Answer 8

It IS a sign, it doesn't mean you have it, but it means that it's possible. See a doctor for the best diagnosis. It could also be a sign of bi-polar disorder, which can get really bad if it goes untreated. Get it checked out before you end up hurting someone, both depression and bi-polar disorder can be very serious.

Answer 9

Perhaps not depression but it sounds like a possible chemical imbalance. See a Dr. and let him/her know what is going on, it could be that your just in need of a little medicine that will put you on a more even keel, tempermentally speaking. It could also be that your not getting enough rest. Try sleeping a full 8 hours for a week to ten days to see if that helps.

Answer 10

I see several answers on here that say bi-polar, which is one possibility. The only problem is, you never stated your age. If you happen to be a young man, say a teenager, then these mooswings are quite common and absolutely NORMAL! The trick is learning to keep control of your temper, not letting it take control of you. The HULK faze will pass as your body matures and the hormones level out.