Biological Changes That Affect a Teen's Emotional Stability

Hormones?

• In theory, mood swings during early adolescence could be explained by the increased levels of sex hormones in the body at this time. However, the BBC's article on "Teenage Mood Swings" notes that scientists have not established a proven link between changes in hormone levels during puberty and teenage mood swings. In any case, hormones can't provide an explanation for continuing mood swings and emotional instability after puberty ends and hormone levels stabilize. The BBC suggests that the emotional volatility of many teenagers has more to do with the complex changes in their lives as they go through high school and move toward adulthood.

Body Image

• The biological changes in a teenager's body can contribute to emotional instability for indirect reasons. For instance, girls sometimes become highly insecure as their breasts start to develop because they feel like everybody is looking at their bodies and forming opinions about them. Girls who develop earlier than other girls in their peer group are more likely to drink alcohol or experiment with sex, according to the University of Alabama's Parenting Assistance Line. The BBC notes that teens sometimes become preoccupied with grooming because they're trying to control their physical appearance as they go through these changes.

Depression

• Clinical depression isn't usually a childhood problem, but people with a genetic predisposition for depression may first start to show symptoms as teens according to the BBC. According to the Raising Children Network, the brain of a teenager could be less resilient in dealing with emotional stress due to all the changes the brain goes through in the teen years. Stress caused by school, family or relationship problems could trigger a genetic predisposition. If you suspect your teen is depressed, consult a health care provider because depression can have serious consequences if not addressed.

Brain Development

• Adults tend to use a section of the brain called the prefrontal cortex when they need to make a decision, but this area of the brain is not yet fully developed in teens. Instead, teens are more likely to make their decisions using another area of the brain called the amygdala. The prefrontal cortex is better at thinking ahead ahead and making calm decisions, while the amygdala is associated with emotion and impulsiveness. As the prefrontal cortex develops further, most teens should become less impulsive and emotional.