MS ExplainedMood swings
The effects of MS can cause alterations in an individual's mood. As with depression, alteration to mood can be due to a number of factors. The uncertainty and frustrations of living with the condition can have a negative effect on mood and the side effects of some medication, such as steroids, can also affect emotional responses. Episodes of fatigue are particularly associated with affected mood, with an individual becoming short tempered or more withdrawn.
MS can also directly affect responses and cause episodes of uncontrolled laughter or crying. Referred to as 'emotional lability' or 'pathological laughter and crying', the exaggerated response will have little or no relationship to actual events or the individual's feelings.
- More information from the MS Trust
- Emotionalism - A to Z of MS
Next page - Symptoms not associated with a single area of damage
- MS Explained
- Contents
- Introduction
- Who gets MS?
- The possible causes of MS
- The central nervous system
- The immune system
- What happens in MS?
- The cause of symptoms
- Spasticity
- Bladder problems
- Bowel problems
- Weakness
- Visual problems
- Optic neuritis
- Balance and dizziness
- Tremor and ataxia
- Cognition
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Speech and swallowing
- Pain
- Diagnosis
- Types of MS
- Future research
- Immunology
- Neuroprotection
- Repairing and replacing myelin
- Genetics
- Summary
- Glossary
- Bibliography
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