Is Your Teen Just Moody — Or Is It Something More?

Your once talkative teen suddenly wants nothing to do with you. One minute they’re angry, the next minute reclusive. 

You blame it on hormones and stress, but part of you wonders, What if this isn’t just a phase? 

The truth is, while mood swings are a standard part of adolescence, there may be some deeper mental health problems at hand if their irritability seems persistent. You’re not alone, and neither is your teen — with the proper support, healing is possible.

In this guide, we will discuss how to identify irritable teen behavior vs. typical teen behavior.

Table of Contents

• What’s Considered “Normal” Teenage Behavior?
• What Are the Signs of a Moody Teenager Versus Something More Serious?
• Understanding Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
• Other Conditions That Can Look Like “Irritability”
• When and How To Seek Professional Help for Your Teen
• Kiwi Recovery Provides Support and Evidence-Based Care To Help Your Teen Overcome Behavioral Health Challenges

The teenage years can be challenging and confusing, and changes, stress, and uncertainty can lead to irritable behaviors. 

Although it can be hard to navigate, some behaviors are considered “normal” for teens during this time. Let’s explore these behaviors and what you can expect from your teenager.

Mood Swings Due to Puberty and Brain Development

During the teenage years, hormones such as estrogen and testosterone fluctuate, making mood swings happen frequently. 

These mood swings can affect the emotions and impulse control of your teen. Mood swings are often considered temporary and are a standard part of navigating the complexities of feelings as a teenager.

Increased Desire for Independence

An increase in independence is a crucial part of transitioning into adulthood, allowing your teen to start making their own decisions, good or bad. This need for independence can help with:

• Decision-making
• Identity formation
• Social connection
• Responsibility
• Emotional development

Changes in Sleep Schedules

Does it seem like your teen suddenly likes to stay up late and sleep in? 

This is entirely normal when the body’s circadian rhythm begins to shift forward during the teenage years. The change, accompanied by stress, late nights spent studying, and less overall sleep, can lead to more irritable behavior.

Occasional Defiance or Withdrawal

Pushing boundaries or withdrawing from relationships can be harsh and hurtful as a parent. This is a common tendency among teens and is caused by their need to establish their own identities. 

While occasional defiance and withdrawal are typical, be on the lookout for any additional red flags that may indicate deeper issues are at play.

Emotional Reactivity to Social or Academic Stressors

The workload of teens can be incredibly stressful, and often these experiences are the first time teens feel societal and academic pressures on a larger scale. 

Teens may react in different ways, such as crying or yelling, depending on how they process these newfound stressors. This is an excellent opportunity to help them learn stress management and coping skills that will set them up for success in life. 

If it seems as though stress management isn’t helping, additional therapy can help get to the root of the problem.

Lying

Catching your teen in a lie can be frustrating and even hurtful, but often, they aren't doing it maliciously. There are many reasons why teens may lie, including:

• Avoiding trouble
• Fear of disappointment
• Gaining independence
• Testing boundaries
• Peer pressure
• Developmental factors
• And more.

While having a moody teenager is common, there are some signs that your teen’s mood may need additional treatment. 

When risky behavior, aggression, and self-harm are present, it is vital to get help right away. Often, early intervention is crucial to success in treatment. 

Kiwi Recovery is here to support you and your teen during challenging times. Our gentle, compassionate approach reaches teens where they are and provides the support they need to get through troubling and confusing times. If you or your loved one is experiencing drastic behavioral changes, contact us today to get the help they need.

If your teen’s mood is consistently disruptive and unstable, you may wonder if something more significant is at play. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is when an individual experiences ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent explosions of rage. These are often worse than a bad day or bad mood and are disruptive to the teen’s life and relationships. Some key characteristics of DMDD are:

• Persistent irritability and anger
• Severe tantrums and outbursts
• Functional impairment

These symptoms often coincide with other conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

If you suspect your child has DMDD, Kiwi Recovery can help. We offer a range of programs and therapies to support your child's treatment for DMDD.

Life as a teenager is filled with numerous changes and stressors, which can turn your child into someone irritable and difficult to live with. Some other conditions that present themselves as “irritable” may be:

• Depression in teens (with more irritable symptoms instead of sadness)
• Anxiety disorders
• ADHD and mood regulation challenges
• Trauma and PTSD
• Substance use to cope with stress or trauma

If you suspect your child is struggling with any of these conditions, Kiwi Recovery can help. We offer programs to support teens facing these conditions with empathy and flexibility.

If your teen is consistently irritable despite efforts to support them, it may be time to seek professional help. Signs that may indicate the need for additional help include:

• Intense and persistent irritability
• Daily outbursts that disrupt home, school, and social life
• Physical aggression
• Verbal rage
• Depression or anxiety
• Difficulty maintaining relationships, specifically due to mood.
• Self-harm
• Talks of hopelessness

It can be challenging to take the next step and seek professional help to support your child and address their irritability. Obtaining a psychological evaluation can provide valuable insights into your teen's life, and early intervention can be beneficial in accessing support. 

At Kiwi Recovery, we provide mental health support specifically for teens and young adults, making us experts at compassionate and helpful care to meet their needs. We offer programs throughout the day or in the afternoons to adapt to teens’ busy lives. We provide services for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar
• Dual diagnosis
• Trauma & PTSD
• Anger management
• Eating disorders
• Psychotic disorders

Is your teen’s irritability becoming disruptive to their life, but you’re unsure how to find the support they need? 

At Kiwi Recovery, we understand that stepping away from a busy life in the teen years to support mental health can be challenging. 

This is why we offer full-day and afternoon programs to meet your teen's needs. Needing a full-day program, but don't want your child falling behind in school? We offer tutoring sessions during the program day, as well as telehealth services, so your teen can get the support they need without missing a beat. 

Contact us today to learn how Kiwi Recovery can support your teen with any mental health issues they may be experiencing.

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The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.