Mood Swings

Rapid and often extreme changes in emotional state. Often caused by elevated cortisol and adrenaline as part of the body's fight-or-flight response. When cortisol remains high for prolonged periods, the brain stays in a defensive state—reducing serotonin and GABA activity while increasing dopamine and norepinephrine signaling. This heightens alertness and aggression to help the body prepare for conflict or survival, but in modern contexts it manifests as mood swings.