Steroids are really effective for treating a variety of medical conditions, but they can also impact a person’s mood in unexpected ways. These changes can affect not only the patient but also their friends and family members.
Why do mood changes happen?
Dr Huma Ansari is an experienced psychiatrist currently working in a practice for adult patients. She has worked in emergency room and inpatient psychiatry and has seen patients with many steroid-related mental health challenges.
Dr Ansari explains that steroids influence the brain’s chemistry, which can lead to changes in mood, behavior and energy levels. The exact reasons why some people experience these mood swings and others don’t are not yet fully understood. Still, we do know that the higher the dose of steroids a person takes and the longer they take them, the more likely they are to experience these symptoms.
What kinds of mood changes can occur?
Steroids can cause mood swings that range from feeling overly energetic, happy and excited (euphoric) to feeling irritable or downright angry. Dr Ansari explains that mood changes can vary widely in intensity, but they typically fall into a few categories:
Irritability and restlessness: Irritability is by far the most common mood-related side effect of steroids. You may find yourself snapping at people, getting frustrated easily, or feeling restless without really knowing why. This can be distressing not only for you but for those around you. It’s important to remember that this heightened irritability isn’t a reflection of who you are but rather a temporary side effect of your medication.
Mania or manic-like symptoms: Some people may feel extremely energetic and overly positive, even to the point of becoming hyperactive and finding it difficult to “switch off.” This state is often called mania. People experiencing manic symptoms may feel like they can get everything done and more, pushing themselves to extremes, whether it’s working excessively, starting new projects, or taking on tasks that aren’t necessary. What makes this problematic is that the person often doesn’t realize anything is wrong with them - they feel great. It’s usually family or friends who notice that a person is not taking care of themselves or resting as they should.
Anger and short temper: In some cases, mood changes on steroids can escalate beyond irritability into outright anger. You may find yourself losing your temper over small things, such as a simple question from a family member or an everyday inconvenience. These outbursts can catch you off guard, especially if you typically consider yourself a calm and patient person.
Dr Ansari’s own Steroid Journey
Dr Huma Ansari hasn’t just treated patients with steroids; she has also been on her own steroid journey:
“A few years ago, I had to take steroids for a couple of months, and I can tell you firsthand how difficult the irritability can be. My family noticed it before I did, and we all felt the impact. I became more short-tempered and easily frustrated over things that wouldn’t normally bother me. And while I understood that it was the medication, it didn’t make it any easier to cope. When I was finally able to taper off the steroids, it was a relief for all of us.”
What should I do if I experience mood swings?
The good news is that steroid-induced mood changes are generally temporary and treatable. In most cases, the symptoms improve or disappear once the steroid dose is reduced or the treatment is stopped. If you or someone close to you notices these changes, it’s important to discuss them so that everyone understands and then make sure you talk to your doctor. Often, simply tapering the steroids can bring relief.
However, if you have a pre-existing mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder, these symptoms might be more intense and could take longer to resolve. In such cases, your doctor may recommend adjusting your existing mood stabilizers or antidepressants to help manage the steroid’s effects.
The bottom line
If you’re noticing mood changes while on steroids, whether it’s feeling overly energetic, restless or irritable, know that you are not alone - and, more importantly, that these symptoms can be managed. Speak with your doctor about what you’re experiencing, and they can help you adjust your treatment. More often than not, lowering the steroid dose or tapering off the medication will bring relief, especially if you address issues early.
Remember, always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle to ensure the best care for your specific health needs.