This Article Seeks to Answer the Following:
- Causes of mood swings and emotional instability in teenagers
- How hormones affect mood swings and emotional instability
- Physical and psychological effects of emotional instability in teenagers
- Coping strategies for mood swings and emotional instability
- How to manage teen mood swings and emotional instability
- Alternative and complementary therapies for teen mood swings
Teen Residential Treatment for Adolescent Emotional Instability:
Even though mood disorders and emotional stability can be normal teenage experiences, they should not be ignored. Key Healthcare’s teen residential treatment for adolescent emotional instability is a therapeutic intervention that provides a structured and supportive environment for teenagers struggling with emotional regulation.
Our treatment program is designed to address the specific needs of adolescents who experience frequent mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty managing their emotions while keeping cost considerations in mind. We work closely with insurance providers to ensure that our services are covered and maximize the insurance benefits available to our clients. Verify insurance for teen residential treatment whenever possible, thereby reducing your financial burden.
Every parent dreams of raising their children into young, happy, hard-working adults. However, in between lies certain challenges, such as potential teenage mood swings and emotional instability, prevalent during adolescence- a stage that subjects teenagers to intense physical and emotional changes. Most teens struggle to balance managing the transition and keeping their feelings and reactions in check.
It is important to note that Key Healthcare’s Teen Residential Treatment for Adolescent Emotional Instability is a higher level of care and is typically recommended for adolescents with significant emotional instability that cannot be adequately addressed in outpatient settings. Schedule a confidential consultation with us to help you with the decision to pursue residential treatment for your teen emotional instability. Our mental health professionals will assess the severity of the emotional instability and determine the most appropriate level of care for the teenager’s needs.
Read further to know more about the causes of emotional instability among teenagers and the effective mechanisms to help you cope with them and improve your child’s mental and emotional well-being.
What is Teen Emotional Instability?
Teenagers’ Emotional instability can be defined as rapid, exaggerated mood changes. Strong feelings and emotions accompany it, such as uncontrollable crying or extreme happiness/ laughter. Even though it is common in people with borderline disorder, teenagers can also experience it.
Causes of Emotional Instability in Teenagers
Rapid, exaggerated mood changes in teenagers can be caused by the following:
- Mental health history, such as past trauma
- Genetics, an uncontrollable risk factor
- Stimulating factors such as teen drug use or abuse
How to Differentiate Between a Normal Mood Swing and Emotional Instability in Teenagers
Mood swings are relatively normal and can last a few hours or up to a day, while emotional instability is intense and persistent. Emotionally unstable teenagers experience rapidly exaggerated mood changes, such as sudden anger outbursts that may last for days.
Diagnosis Of Emotional Stability For Residential Treatment
The diagnosis of emotional instability for residential treatment is typically made by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. They will conduct a psychological evaluation for teenager thorough assessment to determine the presence and severity of emotional instability and any underlying mental health conditions contributing to it. Here are the general steps involved in diagnosing emotional instability for residential treatment:
- During the initial evaluation, a mental health professional conduct a comprehensive interview with the individual seeking treatment to gather information about their symptoms, emotional experiences, personal history, and factors contributing to their emotional instability.
- They then refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to assess whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for conditions such as borderline personality disorder.
- A clinical interview explores the individual’s emotional experiences, behavior patterns, and relationships while assessing for co-occurring conditions like how teen psychiatric evaluation can help parents to understand their teen’s mental health condition, depression or anxiety. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team provides a comprehensive assessment, and a medical and psychiatric history review helps inform treatment planning.
- Lastly, clinical observation during the assessment process helps validate emotional instability and gain further insights into the individual’s experiences.
Read if you want to know how psychiatric evaluation for teen can help parents to understand their teen’s mental health condition
Adolescent emotional instability, also known as borderline personality disorder, is characterized by unstable and intense relationships, self-perception, and moods. Impulses are poorly controlled, and individuals may exhibit violent or threatening behavior in response to criticism. The disorder has two subtypes: impulsive type and borderline type.
- Impulsive type (F60.30) is marked by emotional instability and a lack of impulse control for teens. It often involves outbursts of violence or threatening behavior when criticized by others.
- Borderline type (F60.31) encompasses emotional instability, unclear self-image, goals, and preferences. Chronic feelings of emptiness are common. Intense and unstable relationships can lead to repeated emotional crises, efforts to avoid abandonment, and self-harm or suicidal behaviors.
Signs of Emotional Instability in Teenagers
If you suspect that your child or loved one is emotionally unstable, look for the following key signs:
- Rapid mood swings occasioned by unwarranted agitation or sadness. Some may also experience a sudden angry outburst and suffer guilt from it
- Inability/ difficulty calming down due to lack of certain emotional equilibrium skills
- Unexpected reactions
- Physical signs of fear or anxiety
How Do Hormones Affect Emotional Instability?
Our hormones heavily impact our emotional states. Teenagers experience mood changes when hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen, prevalent during and after puberty, fluctuate. Rising hormonal levels, therefore, lead to strong emotions and mood changes, manifesting as mood swings and emotional instability.
Effects of Emotional Instability on Teenagers
Emotional Instability can cause physical and psychological effects in teenagers. Physical effects include sleep disturbances, fatigue, and changes in weight and appetite. Psychological effects can include teen depression, teen anxiety, low self-esteem, negative self-image, concentration issues, and difficulty completing tasks.
Residential Treatment of Teen Emotional Instability And Mood Swings
Key Healthcare Residential Treatment for Adolescent Emotional Instability and mood swings is a specialized therapeutic intervention designed to address the unique needs of adolescents struggling with emotional regulation and frequent mood fluctuations. This specific program provides a structured and supportive environment where teens can receive comprehensive care and develop healthy coping strategies. Common therapy and counseling options for teens with mood swings include cognitive behavioral therapy for teens, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT for teens), teen group therapy, and family therapy.
Therapeutic Approaches in Residential Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on the relationship between behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. CBT for teens struggling with behavioral and emotional issues is evidence-based, and helps teens over the long term to regulate their mood.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Even though Teen DBT was originally meant for people with borderline personality disorder, self-harm tendencies, and suicidal thinking, it is currently being used in normal therapy. It can help your teenager identify emotions and how they impact their behaviors, and self-regulate using distress tolerance skills. For teens who may not require residential treatment, our adolescent outpatient treatment also incorporates DBT techniques.
Family Therapy
Application of teen family therapy techniques can help you improve how you communicate and resolve conflicts with your teenager, leading to a stronger and better relationship. Benefits include healthier boundaries, better resilience, and coping skills, empathy and compassion, and reduced stress.
Emotional Regulation Skills Training
Our teen residential treatment programs provide targeted training in emotional regulation. This involves helping individuals identify and understand their emotions, learn coping strategies to manage intense emotions and develop healthier ways of expressing and processing their feelings.
Gradual Exposure to Emotionally Challenging Situations
Our teen residential treatment for adolescent emotional instability may gradually expose individuals to emotionally challenging situations under the guidance and support of trained professionals. This allows them to practice their newly acquired skills in real-life scenarios, build resilience, and develop confidence in managing emotional triggers and stressors.
Group Therapy
Teen group therapy mostly focuses on issues such as relationships with parents and peers, drug and substance abuse, and adolescent behavior problems. It offers your teenager access to peer support networks and allows them to develop social skills.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Each teen receives an individualized treatment plan based on a comprehensive assessment of their specific needs and challenges. The plan may include various therapeutic modalities such as teen individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and specialized interventions targeting emotional regulation skills.
Aftercare Planning
As the residential program nears completion, the treatment team collaborates with the teen and their family to develop an teen aftercare rehab . This plan may involve transitioning to outpatient therapy, ongoing support groups, community resources, and strategies to maintain progress and continue working on emotional regulation skills.
Medication Management for Teen Mood Swings and Emotional Instability
Some medications available to teenagers with mood swings and emotional instability include antidepressants, mood stabilizers for those with severe mood swings, and anti-anxiety medications for teens with anxiety and panic attacks. Our staff will handle all medication management while your teen is attending treatment at Key Healthcare.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Examples of anti-anxiety medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and other medications such as hydroxyzine and non-SSRI antidepressants.
Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers help regulate mood swings occasioned by disorders such as bipolar disorder. They are mostly prescribed alongside other antidepressants, such as SNRIs and SSRIs.
Potential Risks and Benefits of Medication for Teens
Benefits
- Improved mood
- Better focus
- Improved appetite
- Reduced anxiety
- Better sleep
Risks
Teen mood swings and emotional instability medications can potentially cause stomach cramps, nausea, headache, fatigue, thirst, and mild tremor. Any serious side effect calls for immediate medical attention.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Teen Mood Swings
Alternative mood treatments include dietary supplements, herbal remedies, mind-body techniques, acupuncture, and other alternative therapies such as art therapy and surf therapy.
Mind-body Techniques
The most common mind-body technique to manage mood swings is to learn anger management skills. To deal with emotional instability among teenagers includes teen yoga and meditation therapies.
Co-occurring Issues Commonly Addressed In Residential Treatment For Adolescent Emotional Instability
Addressing co-occurring issues in residential treatment aims to provide comprehensive support, enhance overall well-being, and improve the individual’s ability to manage and regulate their emotions effectively. By addressing these issues simultaneously, our treatment team aims to promote long-term recovery, stability, and improved mental health outcomes for adolescents in residential care. Here are different co-occurring issues commonly addressed in residential treatment for adolescent emotional instability:
Bipolar Disorder:
Co-occurring bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, including manic episodes and depressive episodes. Our supportive environment and appropriate interventions help individuals stabilize their moods and manage bipolar symptoms.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. By incorporating exposure and response prevention therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques we help teens to manage and reduce OCD symptoms.
Personality Disorders:
Certain personality disorders, such as teen borderline personality disorder, may co-occur with emotional instability. Residential treatment programs often integrate specific therapeutic modalities, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to address the challenges associated during personality disorder treatment.
Depression:
Co-occurring depression involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. We aim to provide therapeutic interventions to address depressive symptoms in your child and support individuals in developing healthy coping strategies.
Anxiety Disorders:
Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorder often coexist with emotional instability. We remain focused on helping individuals manage teen anxiety symptoms, develop relaxation techniques, and challenge anxious thoughts and behaviors.
Substance Abuse:
Co-occurring teen substance abuse is the misuse or dependence on drugs or alcohol. Residential treatment integrates substance abuse treatment components to address substance-related issues, including detoxification, counseling, and relapse prevention strategies.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation:
Some individuals with emotional instability may engage in self-harm or experience suicidal thoughts. Residential treatment provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive therapy and learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage self-destructive behavior’s.
Eating Disorders:
Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder may coexist with emotional instability. Residential treatment incorporates specialized interventions and a multidisciplinary approach to address teen eating disorders and promote a healthier relationship with food and body image.
Trauma and PTSD:
Co-occurring trauma refers to experiences of significant distressing events that result in psychological trauma. Residential treatment offers teen trauma and PTSD-focused therapy to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity characterize ADHD. Residential treatment may include strategies to manage ADHD symptoms in teens, such as behavioral interventions, organizational skills training, and medication management.
It’s important to note that these co-occurring issues can vary in severity and presentation among individuals. A comprehensive assessment by mental health professionals guides the identification and tailored treatment of co-occurring issues in residential treatment settings.
Key Healthcare Provides a Therapeutic Environment That Helps
Key Healthcare providers strive to create a therapeutic environment that promotes healing and well-being for individuals receiving care. A therapeutic environment is a setting that fosters physical, emotional, and psychological safety while supporting the therapeutic process. Here are some ways in which we, as US-trusted healthcare providers, establish a therapeutic environment:
Physical Safety: We prioritize the physical safety of individuals by ensuring a clean, hygienic, and well-maintained environment. We also adhere to safety regulations and implement measures to prevent accidents, minimize infection risks, and maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
Emotional Support: As experienced healthcare providers, we recognize the importance of emotional support in healing. Hence, we promote empathy, compassion, and active listening to create an environment where your teen will feel heard, validated, and respected. This also includes providing emotional support during difficult procedures, addressing fears or concerns, and offering counseling or therapy services when needed.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Key healthcare providers prioritize confidentiality and privacy, creating an environment where individuals feel safe to share personal information. We adhere to strict confidentiality protocols, maintain privacy during consultations or treatments, and respect individuals’ rights to keep their healthcare information private.
Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are essential elements of a therapeutic environment. We ensure clear and open communication with our residents, involving them in decision-making processes, explaining treatment plans, and addressing any questions or concerns. They also foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, promoting interdisciplinary teamwork to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.
Respect for Autonomy and Dignity: Key healthcare providers respect individuals’ autonomy and dignity, recognizing their right to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They involve teens in treatment planning, seek their input, and support their choices whenever possible. We also prioritize cultural sensitivity, diversity, and inclusivity to create an environment that respects individual identities and values.
Emotional Regulation and Safety Measures: We implement strategies to promote emotional regulation and create a sense of safety which may involve calming techniques, the presence of comforting objects or environments, and measures to minimize stress or anxiety during procedures or treatments.
Supporting Academic Progress and Skills Development: Our residential treatment programs prioritize academic progress and skills development. We offer tutoring, study skills training, and guidance to help adolescents thrive academically during their treatment and beyond.
Continuity of Care: Key healthcare providers ensure continuity of care by establishing a consistent and reliable healthcare relationship. We prioritize continuity in service provision, maintain accurate medical records, and coordinate transitions between different healthcare settings or providers.
Overall, Key Healthcare recognises a therapeutic environment’s importance in promoting positive health outcomes. By prioritizing physical safety, emotional support, confidentiality, effective communication, respect for autonomy, and continuity of care, we create an environment that supports individuals’ healing, well-being, and overall healthcare experience.
Family Involvement and Support Is Important in Residential Treatment
We encourage family involvement and support during residential treatment for teens’ emotional instability. Teens responded better to treatment when parents or caregivers actively participated in our different programs.
- Teen Family therapy sessions were meant to address the impact of emotional instability on family dynamics. Our session helped improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster understanding among family members.
- We guided parents with effective parenting strategies, coping mechanisms, and techniques for creating a supportive home environment.
- Our therapists help rebuild trust and enhance communication within the family unit. They facilitate open dialogue, active listening, and understanding to repair strained relationships and foster a sense of safety and support.
- We helped parents to identify unhealthy family dynamics and patterns that may contribute to emotional instability. Therapists work with families to identify and modify negative patterns, establish healthy boundaries, and promote positive interactions.
Conclusion
Parenting teenagers emotionally requires understanding teenage emotions. It can be challenging to cope with occasional mood swings and/or emotional instability. However, we must help our teenage children blossom into emotionally mature adults. This article will help you support your teenage child in navigating their emotions and becoming a healthy adult. Up to 100% of the costs could be covered by Insurance. You can confidentially your insurance here, with no obligation.
Key Healthcare does not accept Medi-Cal.
Here are some government resources for teen mental health issues if your insurance doesn’t cover enough of the costs:
If you would like to learn more about our highest level of care, read our ultimate guide on Residential treatment for teens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are There Any Natural or Home Remedies That Can Help Ease Mood Swings in Teens?
Natural or home remedies that can help ease mood swings in teenagers include natural herbs such as holy basil, ginseng, and pruriens; enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies or interesting activities.
What Environmental Factors Can Trigger Mood Swings and Emotional Instability in Teens?
Environmental factors that can trigger mood swings and emotional instability in teenagers include social factors such as poor support, abuse, and toxic relationships.
How Can Siblings and Other Family Members Support a Teenager Struggling with Mood Swings and Emotional Stability?
Siblings and other family members can help teenagers struggling with mood swings and emotional stability by building a close relationship with them, assuring them of their support, offering boundaries and structure, fostering independence, and encouraging social connections.
How Does Social Media and Technology Affect Teenage Mood Swings and Emotional Health?
Increased social media usage among teenagers can lead to increased feelings of missing out, popularly known as FOMO, dissatisfaction, inadequacy, and teen social issues which can negatively affect mood among teenagers. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms.
