Hormone Could Explain Teenage Mood Swings: Study

If you have a teenager or know one, you’re certainly aware of the sometimes drastic mood swings adolescents experience.

Researchers at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center believe they’ve uncovered the reason behind the angst-ridden teen.

A hormone the body produces that tends to ease stress in adults and children, working like a natural tranquillizer, apparently has the opposite effect in adolescents, making them more prone to moodiness.

Scientists discovered the levels of this hormone, called THP, by studying mice. They studied the rodents’ brain activity and behaviour before, during and after puberty.

The tiny animals were placed in a stressful situation for 45 minutes – a small plastic box was placed over the mice to make them feel claustrophobic.

“Twenty minutes after stress, both the young mice and the adult mice showed less anxiety. But the pubertal mice showed more anxiety,” lead researcher Sheryl Smith said.

Mice have normal brain receptors but during adolescence they have extra high levels of another kind that incites an anxious rather than calming response when THP attaches to it.

Similar changes happen in humans.

While moodiness is often par-for-the-course when it comes to teenagers, the report said the emotional shifts shouldn’t always be taken lightly.

“Responses to stressful events are amplified, and anxiety and panic disorder first emerge at this time, being twice as likely to occur in girls as in boys,” the researchers wrote.

“In addition, suicide risk increases in adolescence, despite the use of adult-based medical strategies.”

Not All Teenagers Are The Same

You may automatically associate the words moody, self-centred, or secretive with teenager or adolescent, but that’s not the case with all kids.

Many parents don’t have any problems with their teenagers.

Finding Their Own Identity

Adolescence is generally a time when young people are looking for ways to show their individuality and establish a separate identity from their parents. Teens often look for ways to answer questions like “Who am I?” or “What will I become” by testing boundaries and challenging authorities.

No matter how often your teen may say you’re treating them like a young child, they still need structure, routines and values.

Peer Pressure Can Be A Good Thing

The opinions of parents and friends often rival each other in teenagers’ minds. While many parents may view peer pressure as a negative thing, advice from other teens can also help to keep your child on the right track.

Ensure your teen feels comfortable bringing their friends home to hang out and get to know the people your child is spending time with.

Let’s Talk About Sex

In adolescence kids are also learning how to behave around the opposite sex. Research shows that parents’ attitudes toward sex have a great influence on their kids’ sexual behaviour.

Moms and dads shouldn’t shy away from this subject and talk about their values with their kids.

Personality Changes

As a young person tries to figure out how they fit into this world their behaviour may change, which can come as a shock to their parents.

How you interpret this behaviour and react to it may encourage the conflict you’re trying to avoid.

Try not to expect trouble from your child and sometimes their actions shouldn’t be taken at face value.

What Teens Need From Their Parents

Teens can sometimes be hard to deal with but losing your temper can often make bad behaviour worse.

Moms and dads should work hard to establish what behaviour is and is not acceptable at home. Pick your battles. Decide on which issues are really important to you as parents and focus on those.

Show Concern, But Try Not To Judge

If your teen displays inconsistent behaviour, you can help them by maintaining firm responses in the forms of opinions and concerns, not condemnation and judgment. Try to express confidence that things will get better

Stay Interested

Keep up a keen interest in what’s happening in your child’s life but try not to pry. It’s important to respect your child’s need for privacy.

Pay Close Attention To Your Words & Actions

The way you react to your teen’s behaviour can convey an attitude of distrust or annoyance.

Stay Positive

Try not to dwell on the negative and look at positive solutions to problems.

Recognize Achievements

A teen may feel as though their parents are always coming down on them. Catch them doing something good and celebrate their achievements.

Show Your Kids You Love Them

While a teenager may not appreciate hugs and kisses in front of their friends or out in public, showing your child you love them with a hug before they head to school or before they go to bed is important.

Information courtesy of Health Canada.

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