Mood instability refers to frequent, rapid shifts in mood that feel highly unpredictable and difficult to control [1]. Common symptoms include:
- Experiencing sudden periods of high energy and enthusiasm that shift into sadness or irritability within hours or days
- Mood changes frequently in reaction to stressors
- Difficulty self-soothing heightened emotions
- Impulsiveness and reckless behaviors during mood swings
- Coping through substance abuse
Mood instability commonly occurs in borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder [2]. It impairs relationships and daily activities.
Ketamine has shown promise for stabilizing mood and reducing fluctuations through its effects on the brain’s glutamate system and neural plasticity [3].
One study found ketamine quickly reduced depressive and manic symptoms in people with bipolar depression for up to 2 weeks [4]. Other research indicates repeated ketamine infusions can prevent relapses of mood episodes in bipolar disorder [5].
While more extensive studies are needed, ketamine may be uniquely effective for regulating mood compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. This could significantly help those suffering from significant mood instability.
References:
[1] Carpenter RW, Trull TJ. Components of emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A review. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2013;15(1):335. doi:10.1007/s11920-012-0335-2
[2] Henry C, Mitropoulou V, New AS, et al. Affective instability and impulsivity in borderline personality and bipolar II disorders. J Psychiatr Res. 2001;35(6):307-312. doi:10.1016/s0022-3956(01)00038-3
[3] Cousins DA, Butts K, Young AH. The role of dopamine in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord. 2009;11(8):787-806. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00760.x
[4] Sos P, Klirova M, Novak T, Kohutova B, Horacek J, Palenicek T. Relationship of ketamine’s antidepressant and psychotomimetic effects in unipolar depression. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2013;34(4):287-293.
[5] Phillips JL, Norris S, Talbot J, et al. Single, Repeated, and Maintenance Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Psychiatry. 2019;176(5):401-409. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18070834