Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Connection between Anger and Mood Swings?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Anger and mood swings frequently go hand in hand for a number of reasons. For many people experiencing mood swings, anger is the easiest and safest way for them to express their feelings, and is often associated with conditions such as bipolar disorder or depression. Alzheimer's disease is another condition in which anger and mood swings are often seen in conjunction with each other. Some people are simply more prone to these types of outbursts based on their personalities or the way they were raised, such as in a hostile or otherwise negative environment.

Mood swings can be caused by a number of things; hormonal changes, chemical imbalances in the brain, and changes to diet or exercise, just to name a few. Stressful or upsetting situations often cause mood swings as well, and some people simply experience them for seemingly no reason. When an individual experiences a mood swing, he or she might feel anxious, sad, or upset; often, people who do not know how to handle these feelings will find that instead, anger is the most intuitive manifestation of the emotion. Others will just find that their anger and mood swings are inextricably linked, and that any type of changes to the mood causes feelings of rage, violence, or simple annoyance.

Difficulty concentrating and angry outbursts may signs of ADHD in children.
Difficulty concentrating and angry outbursts may signs of ADHD in children.

Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or major depression often cause anger and mood swings as well, often in conjunction with manic episodes with those suffering from bipolar disorder or anxiety with depressed individuals. The inability to control the mood often leads to a feeling of frustration, and anger becomes a natural byproduct. Individuals with Alzheimer's are another group in which anger and mood swings are often seen in conjunction. Children with attention-deficit disorders such as ADD or ADHD might also experience angry outbursts and mood swings as they experience difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks.

Anger and mood swings are often seen together in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Anger and mood swings are often seen together in people with Alzheimer's disease.

There are a number of ways to attempt to prevent and deal with anger and mood swings. Some people find that eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help moderate the mood swings associated with stressful or upsetting events, or mood swings that seem to occur for no reason. Seeking mental health treatment such as therapy or medication may also be able to reduce the frequency of these issues. A therapist might also be able to provide strategies for preventing angry outbursts or for expressing feelings in a more productive way with other people.

Discussion Comments

anon987788

My brother is having angry outbursts for no reason and it's really scary. My parents are being hopelessly yelled at for nothing. He takes ADD pills and antidepressants. Today my mom had been out all day to come home to an angry son and later he started nailing a bar on his bedroom door because he was "just so sick of this." Of what? I want to just slap him into his senses. What do I do?

ddljohn

When someone is angry and moody, why do we directly question their psychological health? Metabolic disorders like hypoglycemia and diabetes, high blood pressure and hormonal imbalances can also cause these problems.

I used to be angry and moody all the time before I was diagnosed with diabetes. As long as my blood sugar levels are in the normal range, I no longer experience aggressiveness. But if my blood sugar falls or rises, I get angry.

I'm also supplementing with magnesium and vitamin B complex. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies cause anger too.

fBoyle

@turquoise-- If you stopped taking your anxiety medications recently, you might experience more anger and mood shifts because of the withdrawal affects. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications cause these issues. The body gets used to functioning with these drugs and it can take some time to adjust.

turquoise

I think that figuring out the connection between anger and mood swings and their cause is very difficult. I've been experiencing these things for the past seven years or so. I'm often frustrated, become moody and yell at the people around me for no good reason. On some days, I'm fine and on others, I'm just terrible. The worst part is that I have no idea why I feel this way.

I did suffer from anxiety several years ago and was treated for it. I'm now off of my medications. But I don't think that this is the cause of my anger because I was still like this on the medications.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Difficulty concentrating and angry outbursts may signs of ADHD in children.
      By: Wojciech Sobiech
      Difficulty concentrating and angry outbursts may signs of ADHD in children.
    • Anger and mood swings are often seen together in people with Alzheimer's disease.
      By: nebari
      Anger and mood swings are often seen together in people with Alzheimer's disease.
    • Stressful situations often cause mood swings.
      By: gstockstudio
      Stressful situations often cause mood swings.
    • Bipolar and other mood disorders can lead to episodes of intense irritability and frustration.
      By: Phase4Photography
      Bipolar and other mood disorders can lead to episodes of intense irritability and frustration.
    • Difficulty with controlling anger can lead to high blood pressure.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Difficulty with controlling anger can lead to high blood pressure.
    • Getting regular exercise can help lessen mood swings and anger.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Getting regular exercise can help lessen mood swings and anger.