Is it all bipolar? Differential diagnosis of mood swings in young adulthood Alles bipolar oder was? Differenzialdiagnostische Einordnung von Stimmungsschwankungen im jungen Erwachsenenalter
Nieberler M, Appel M, Klüpfel C, Warrings W, Kittel-Schneider S (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1007/s00115-026-01970-7
Abstract
Background: Mood swings can represent a key symptom of various psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. Due to substantial symptom overlap, clinicians often face diagnostic uncertainty, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Objectives: Description of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of mood swings in the most relevant psychiatric disorders. Materials and Methods: Narrative review based on the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) and pertinent literature. Results: Bipolar affective disorders exhibit episodic, mostly non-reactive mood swings in clearly defined temporary episodes. In unipolar depression, affective changes are predominantly downward-directed and may show diurnal variation. Emotionally unstable personality disorder is characterized by high-frequency, reactive, and interpersonally triggered affective states, whereas neurodevelopmental disorders typically present with situationally induced, short-lived emotional dysregulation. Conclusions: Differential diagnostic evaluation requires a comprehensive clinical assessment, possibly supported by life charts, mood diaries, or psychometric instruments. Given the frequent comorbidities and symptom overlap, a longitudinal diagnostic approach is recommended in cases of uncertainty.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Nieberler, M., Appel, M., Klüpfel, C., Warrings, W., & Kittel-Schneider, S. (2026). Is it all bipolar? Differential diagnosis of mood swings in young adulthood Alles bipolar oder was? Differenzialdiagnostische Einordnung von Stimmungsschwankungen im jungen Erwachsenenalter. Der Nervenarzt. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-026-01970-7
MLA:
Nieberler, Matthias, et al. "Is it all bipolar? Differential diagnosis of mood swings in young adulthood Alles bipolar oder was? Differenzialdiagnostische Einordnung von Stimmungsschwankungen im jungen Erwachsenenalter." Der Nervenarzt (2026).
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