Many people experience changes in their emotions during the day particularly when they are under stress. These changes are generally normal. However, when emotions shift very quickly become stronger than expected, are difficult to control, and disappear almost as rapidly as they began, they may be described as mood swings. The term is commonly used in everyday language although frequent or intense emotional changes can sometimes be associated with stress, mental-health conditions, neurological conditions, or brain injuries. Emotional lability is particularly associated with conditions that affect the brain’s ability to regulate emotional expression.
Emotional lability refers to a reduced ability to control emotional expression. It may involve crying, laughing, irritability, or anger that is unusually intense, occurs suddenly, or does not fit the situation. These reactions are usually involuntary rather than intentional. In some cases the emotion may be genuine but much stronger than expected in other cases, the emotional expression may not match how the person actually feels. A person may also laugh or cry in a situation where that reaction seems inappropriate or unexpected. This can be embarrassing but it does not necessarily mean that the person is uncaring or deliberately trying to respond in that way.
Emotional outbursts may occur without an obvious trigger, but certain situations can make them more likely. These may include stress, anxiety, tiredness, excessive stimulation, pressure or exposure to emotionally moving situations such as watching a sad or funny film, hearing a story, or discussing a sensitive topic. Emotional lability can occur after a stroke or brain injury and may also be associated with other neurological conditions. However, the presence of mood swings alone does not establish a diagnosis or identify a specific cause.
A person can begin managing these reactions by identifying possible triggers. Noticing the situations, thoughts, physical states, or interactions that occur before an emotional outburst may help the person understand patterns and avoid or modify triggering situations when possible. It may also be helpful to explain the experience to close people, so they understand that the emotional reaction is not necessarily a sign of indifference or a lack of care but may be related to difficulty regulating emotions under stress.
Family members and close others can support the person by remaining calm and asking what they need. They may give the person some space, reduce stimulation, or change the topic if the conversation appears to be triggering. Identifying triggers, taking breaks, and using slow-breathing techniques are also suggested strategies for coping with episodes of emotional lability.
