Labile mood refers to very rapid and intense shifts in emotion that may seem out of proportion to the situation. A person might cry or laugh unexpectedly and find it difficult to regain control of their feelings.
This emotional instability can occur along with other symptoms, such as sudden anger, episodes of deep sadness, or a sense of emotional detachment from others. In many cases, a person’s reactions may not seem to match what’s actually happening around them.
Most of the time, labile mood is linked to genetic factors, negative childhood experiences, or brain changes after a head injury. It can also be associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and certain mental health disorders, including pseudobulbar affect, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and cyclothymia.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of a labile mood include:
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Sudden mood changes;
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Angry outbursts without a clear reason;
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Uncontrollable crying or laughing at inappropriate times;
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Intense sadness that appears suddenly and without an explanation;
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Unusually strong attachment to, or detachment from, other people.
In some cases, labile mood may also be linked with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, anorexia, and bulimia nervosa.
Possible causes
Labile mood seems to be influenced by genetic factors and traumatic childhood experiences. Some people may be more likely to experience this pattern, such as women between 16 and 24 years old.
It is often related to psychological conditions that make it harder to control emotions and reactions, such as:
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Involuntary emotional expression disorder or pseudobulbar affect: a disorder of affect marked by difficulty controlling emotions, with uncontrollable laughing or crying;
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Cyclothymia: a psychological condition where a person shifts between periods of euphoria and depression;
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Borderline personality disorder: marked by sudden mood changes and an intense fear of being abandoned by others;
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Bipolar disorder: identified by mood changes between depressive episodes and manic phases, which involve extreme euphoria;
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): more common in children and can involve significant distractibility and impulsivity;
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a condition that can cause behavioral changes and challenges with communication and social interaction.
According to the CDC, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury can cause emotional and mood changes, including heightened emotions, increased irritability or aggression, anxiety, and depression. Other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia, may also contribute to these symptoms.
Everyday situations can also bring on symptoms, often called triggers. Examples include severe fatigue, anxiety, stress, job loss, the death of a loved one, conflict in relationships, and very noisy environments.
Treatment options
Treatment for labile mood should be recommended by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional and depends on how severe the symptoms are. It also depends on whether the person has an underlying mental health disorder or other psychological condition.
In general, a doctor may recommend medications such as antidepressants to help regulate brain chemicals involved in emotions. According to the American Stroke Association, antidepressants may help reduce the number and severity of uncontrollable crying or laughing episodes in pseudobulbar affect, a condition sometimes described as emotional lability.
Natural measures may also support treatment, such as regular physical activity, relaxing leisure activities, meditation with breathing and relaxation techniques, and talk therapy with a psychologist or counselor.
It’s important to see a healthcare provider and start treatment as soon as symptoms appear. This is because labile mood can interfere with daily life, including work, school, or social activities.