Question

-Why do adolescents experience mood swings?

Answer 1

Hint: Mood swings can be defined as rapid changes in the mood which can be either minor or major which can sometimes be a result of mental health conditions.

Complete answer:
Adolescent individuals are those whose age groups vary from 10 to 19 years. Adolescence has been categorised into three stages by researchers- early adolescence, middle adolescence and late adolescence or young adulthood. During this period individuals undergo major physical and physiological changes that may or not be perceivable from the outside. During this period individuals attain puberty that leads to sexual maturity. Changes in height, body composition, weight, circulatory and respiratory system is observed. Hormones start to play an important role during this period causing alterations in behaviour and also development of secondary sexual characters. The human brain also undergoes changes during this period, changes in folds in the cortex region of the brain are observed that are known to process cognitive and emotional information. Three neurotransmitters play major roles during the brain development which are dopamine, serotonin and glutamate. Dopamine deals with pleasure and adjusting to the environment making decisions. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of mood and behavioural changes. Glutamate is known as an excitatory neurotransmitter and causes the excitatory behaviour of the brain. Major causes of mood swings in adolescents are due to these changes of hormones, changes in brain, physical changes as well as stress and anxiety.

Note: At these times the adolescent individuals need to be taken care and handled by their parents well. Parents are advised to listen and acknowledge their feelings, give them some space and help them to lighten their moods.