In my last blog entry, I discussed genetics as a key reason for neurochemical imbalances occuring. The second important reason is hormonal in neurochemical imbalances.
A very common time of mood changes and irritability is puberty, which is why mood disorders often start to manifest during middle school to high school. This is also the most common time for the early stages of drug addiction, which is basically self-medicating to escape inner turmoil.
Another common time of negative mood changes and irritability is premenstrual, which is within about 2 weeks prior to menses, with the peak effect between the days to week before as well as the first few days after menses starts.
Another fairly common time is post-partum, and usually starts within 3-6 months after delivery. It tends to worsen and occur more often after the second and third pregnancies, with progressive worsening after each post-partum time.
Another frequent time of onset or more commonly worsening is pre-,peri- and post-menopause. This includes the mid-latter 30’s,the 40’s, 50’s and beyond. Most people report feeling their best late teens-20’s and childhood(elementary school). These just happen to be the times of life when abrupt hormonal changes are not occuring.
Sound hopeless? It’s really not. It is important to remember that these hormonal imbalances that lead to chemical imbalances are quite easily treated and resolved with proper treatment no matter what stage of life one is in. All of the above applies to males as well, especially during teens and middle age. Good lifestyle habits and counseling when needed are also crucial.
Next time I will discuss other important factors such as situational stressors, environmental stressors and the impact illicit drug use has. Please E-mail me with questions and comments! Bye for now. Dr.C
