What Do Extreme Mood Swings In A Person Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 2 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 2 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Doc, a friend of mine is showing extreme mood swings and appears to avoid contact with me yet launches on tirades in which she blames everything on me and refuses to accept responsibility for any of her behaviors saying that it's all my fault. She continues to ascribe all her troubles and problems to what I have done to make her that way. Do you know what personality disorder or condition she might be exhibiting? Thanks much. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mood disturbance or personality traits are possibilities

Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. She is 34 and at this age mood swings can occur due to some mood disturbance most probably bipolar disorder. Personality disorders are diagnosed only when other possible causes are ruled out. She might be having personality traits of schizoid personality or paranoid personality tests. Personality tests should be used to ascertain the traits. If she agrees then take her to a psychiatrist for evaluation.

She has mood swings, avoids contact with you, blames you for things and these could occur in severe mood disturbance too. You have to find out if her behaviour is limited to you only or is generalised with everyone. If she is showing such behavior with others too then possibility of mood disturbance is more likely. Please contact a psychiatrist for her evaluation.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY