For parents of children with health conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Bipolar Disorder, mood swings can be one of the most challenging and heartbreaking signs to witness. One moment, your child might be laughing and playing happily; the next, they’re engulfed by anger or frustration, seemingly without any apparent trigger. These abrupt emotional shifts can strain family dynamics, disrupt daily routines, and leave you feeling helpless as you try to navigate the turbulent waters of your child’s emotions.
If you constantly feel like you’re walking on eggshells, trying to navigate your child’s unpredictable mood swings, you’re not alone. Many parents experience this and have tried various strategies and interventions, often feeling overwhelmed in the process. With ADHD affecting more than 11% of children, this is a more common challenge than you might realize.
We understand that ADHD mood swings are not just a behavioral issue, but a sign of an underlying imbalance in the nervous system. By diving beneath the surface and addressing the neurological roots of these emotional storms, we’ve helped countless families find drug-free, lasting relief and restore a sense of peace and stability to their lives.
We’ll explore the fascinating connection between ADHD, mood swings, and nervous system health, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to help your child thrive.
Can ADHD Cause Mood Swings?
ADHD can indeed lead to mood swings characterized by sudden, intense, and unpredictable emotional changes. Unlike the typical mood fluctuations that everyone experiences occasionally, mood swings associated with ADHD tend to be more frequent, severe, and disruptive to daily life.
Children with ADHD may exhibit a wide range of emotional signs, including:
- Sudden outbursts of anger or frustration
- Rapid cycling between excitement and irritability
- Difficulty regulating emotions and calming down
- Low frustration tolerance and impatience
- Heightened sensitivity to criticism or perceived slights
- Emotional meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the situation
These mood swings can occur multiple times throughout the day, often with little warning or apparent trigger. For children with ADHD, the intensity and duration of these emotional shifts can be overwhelming, making it challenging to maintain focus, engage in learning, and navigate social interactions.
The impact of ADHD mood swings extends beyond the child, affecting the entire family dynamic. Parents may find themselves constantly trying to anticipate and manage their children’s emotional reactions, leading to increased stress and feelings of inadequacy. Siblings may feel neglected or resentful as the family’s attention is often focused on the child with ADHD. The constant emotional upheaval can strain relationships and create a sense of walking on eggshells within the household.
It’s important to recognize that ADHD mood swings are not a result of poor parenting or a lack of discipline. These emotional challenges are rooted in the child’s neurology and require a compassionate, informed approach to care that addresses the underlying imbalances in the nervous system.
The “Perfect Storm” of Factors Contributing to ADHD Mood Swings
At PX Docs, we recognize that ADHD mood swings are not a result of a single cause but rather a culmination of various factors that create a “Perfect Storm” of neurological dysfunction. This concept suggests that a combination of prenatal stress, birth interventions, early childhood stressors, and nervous system imbalances can set the stage for the development of ADHD and its associated emotional challenges.
One crucial factor in this “Perfect Storm” is prenatal stress and maternal health. Research has shown that a mother’s emotional well-being and exposure to stress during pregnancy can significantly impact fetal neurodevelopment. Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression in a mother can lead to increased stress hormones like cortisol, which can cross the placenta and impact fetal development. This exposure can affect the baby’s nervous system, increasing the risk of emotional dysregulation later in life.
Birth trauma and interventions can also play a significant role in the development of ADHD and mood swings. Procedures such as forceps delivery, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section can cause physical stress and trauma to the infant’s delicate nervous system. This early neurological insult can lead to subluxations, or misalignments in the spine and nervous system, which can disrupt the proper functioning of the brain and body, setting the stage for future emotional and behavioral challenges.
In addition to prenatal and birth-related factors, early childhood stressors and environmental influences can further contribute to the “Perfect Storm.” Exposure to toxins, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and excessive screen time can all exacerbate ADHD traits and emotional dysregulation. Studies have shown that household dysfunction and adverse childhood experiences alter a child’s developing nervous system. This can make it more difficult for them to regulate their emotions effectively.
At the heart of this “Perfect Storm” lies subluxation and nervous system dysregulation. When the brain and body are not communicating optimally due to neurological imbalances, it can lead to certain traits, including mood swings, irritability, and emotional reactivity.
By addressing these underlying imbalances through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, we can help children with ADHD find greater emotional stability and improve their overall quality of life.
Understanding the Nervous System’s Role in Mood Regulation
To fully grasp the neurological basis of ADHD mood swings, it’s essential to understand the intricate workings of the nervous system and its role in regulating emotional responses. At the center of this regulation lies the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS, or “fight or flight” response, activates the body’s stress response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness during perceived threats. In contrast, the PNS, or “rest, regulate, and digest” response, promotes relaxation and emotional balance. A healthy nervous system sees these two branches working together to help individuals manage emotions and react appropriately to their environment.
However, in children with ADHD, the delicate balance between the SNS and PNS is often disrupted, leading to a state of dysautonomia. This imbalance can cause the nervous system to become stuck in a perpetual state of fight or flight, making it difficult for the child to regulate their emotions and respond calmly to stressors. Dysautonomia can manifest as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty with emotional regulation.
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, connects the brain to major organs like the heart and lungs. It is essential for activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which fosters calmness and relaxation. A well-functioning vagus nerve helps children manage their emotions, engage socially, and maintain their well-being.
However, when vagal tone is low, or the vagus nerve is not communicating effectively due to subluxation or other neurological imbalances, children may struggle with emotional regulation and be more prone to mood swings.
The gut-brain connection is crucial for mood regulation. The gut, often called the “second brain,” has been found to contain 400-600 million neurons that communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve. This connection can influence mood and overall well-being. Children with ADHD frequently face digestive issues like constipation and abdominal pain, which can worsen mood swings and emotional dysregulation.
This insight into the connection between the autonomic nervous system, vagus nerve, and gut-brain interaction lays the groundwork for exploring targeted, drug-free interventions that tackle emotional dysregulation and support optimal nervous system function.
Conventional Approaches to Managing ADHD Mood Swings
When children with ADHD experience mood swings, parents often turn to conventional care options as a way of learning how to cope with ADHD effectively. The two most common approaches are medication and behavioral therapies.
Medication, particularly stimulants and amphetamines, are often prescribed to help reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention in mood disorders like ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. While these medications can be effective in managing some traits, they do not address the underlying neurological imbalances that contribute to emotional dysregulation and mood swings. Additionally, stimulant medications can come with a range of side effects, including:
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Headaches and stomachaches
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Tics or other repetitive movements
In some cases, the side effects of ADHD medications can exacerbate the very mood swings they are intended to care for, leaving parents feeling frustrated and searching for alternative solutions.
Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent management training help children with ADHD develop coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. They teach children to recognize and manage emotions, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships. However, these interventions may not fully address the neurological causes of ADHD mood swings.
One limitation of relying solely on medication and behavioral therapies is that they primarily manage side effects instead of addressing underlying nervous system dysfunction. While these methods may offer short-term relief, they often do not promote long-term emotional well-being or optimal brain-body communication. Additionally, concerns about long-term ADHD medication risks—like growth suppression, cardiovascular issues, and tolerance—have prompted many parents to explore drug-free alternatives for their children.
Addressing ADHD mood swings effectively requires a comprehensive approach targeting emotional dysregulation’s root causes. Medication has long been recommended because traditional medicine and psychiatric care still relies on the outdated and overly propagated “chemical imbalance” theory, which recently has come under scrutiny for its lack of true accuracy and evidence.
By correcting neurological imbalances, such as subluxations and dysautonomia, parents can enhance their children’s emotional well-being and quality of life. The PX Docs approach to Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a safe, drug-free alternative for managing these mood swings and promoting optimal nervous system function.
The PX Docs Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
At PX Docs, we understand that addressing the root causes of ADHD mood swings requires a unique approach that focuses on the health and function of the nervous system. Our Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is designed to identify and address subluxations, reduce dysautonomia, and promote optimal brain-body communication.
Central to our approach is the use of INSiGHT scans, a revolutionary technology that allows us to objectively assess the function of a child’s nervous system. These scans provide valuable information about areas of neurological stress and imbalance, enabling our doctors to pinpoint the specific regions requiring targeted adjustments and care.
By identifying and quantifying subluxation, dysfunction, and dysautonomia, these INSiGHT scans serve as a roadmap for creating personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each child.
Below are the initial series of NeuroSpinal EMG Scans for a Perfect Storm patient struggling with ADHD mood swings, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and sleep challenges. As you can see from the amplitude scan in the upper left as compared to the optimal scan in the upper right, this patient was struggling with severe subluxation and dysfunction in the brainstem and cervical (neck) regions, stemming from a traumatic birth, sports injuries, and poor posture.
The lower left scan indicates significant asymmetrical subluxation patterns at C1 (atlas) which are also commonly correlated with severe sympathetic dominance, sensory overload, sleep disturbances, and a whole host of other neurological sequelae that can contribute to ADHD mood swings and emotional dysregulation.
By taking a nervous system focused and comprehensive drug-free approach to helping children and patients struggling with ADHD mood swings, we empower families to create an environment that supports their child’s neurological health and emotional well-being.
Empowering Parents and Children to Manage ADHD Mood Swings
We believe that parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s journey towards greater emotional balance and resilience. In addition to seeking Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, there are several steps parents can take to create a supportive home environment and promote their child’s overall mental health and well-being.
A key strategy for managing mood swings in children with ADHD is establishing a consistent routine. Studies have found that children with ADHD show a developmental lag of up to 3 years behind their peers. This could be in social and executive functioning skills, affecting their impulse control and attention. They thrive with a clear structure and defined expectations. A daily schedule with regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and physical activities can help stabilize their nervous system and reduce emotional volatility.
Creating a calm and organized home environment can also be beneficial for children with ADHD. Reducing clutter, minimizing distractions, and providing a quiet space for relaxation and stress relief can help children feel more grounded and emotionally stable. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery, can further support emotional regulation and promote a sense of inner calm.
Collaboration with schools and other professionals is another key component of effectively managing ADHD mood swings. Working closely with teachers, counselors, and occupational therapists can help ensure that your child receives consistent support and accommodations across all environments. By advocating for your child’s needs and maintaining open lines of communication with their support team, you can create a comprehensive plan that promotes their success and well-being.
Finally, it’s essential for parents to prioritize their own self-care and stress management. Caring for a child with ADHD can be emotionally and physically demanding, and it’s crucial to take time to recharge and focus on your own well-being. Engaging in regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help you maintain the emotional resilience needed to support your child effectively.
A Path to Emotional Well-Being
ADHD mood swings can be a significant challenge for children and their families, but it’s important to remember that there is hope for lasting relief and improved quality of life. By understanding the neurological foundation of emotional dysregulation and seeking targeted, drug-free interventions, parents can help their children unlock their full potential and experience greater emotional well-being.
Our Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a safe and effective approach to addressing the root causes of ADHD mood swings. By identifying and addressing subluxation, dysregulation, and dysautonomia, this specialized form of chiropractic care works to optimize nervous system function and help children and patients achieve greater emotional balance, resilience, and overall health.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards helping your child manage their ADHD mood swings naturally, we invite you to explore the PX Docs directory and find a qualified practitioner near you. With the right support and care, your child can experience the joy, stability, and quality of life they deserve!
