When Should I See a Doctor About Mood Changes?

Everyone has good days and bad days. But if your mood changes start to feel extreme, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (like confusion), it could be a sign that something deeper is going on, and changes in your brain could be the culprit.

Here at Link Neuroscience Institute, our team of experts specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions like dementia or traumatic brain injuries that can affect your mood, memory, and cognitive health. 

If you’re experiencing mood swings, chronic irritability, anxiety, or sadness that just won’t lift, we’re here to help uncover the cause and guide you toward effective treatment.

In the meantime, here are some general guidelines for when you should see a doctor about mood changes.

When are mood changes a cause for concern?

Temporary mood shifts can be linked to stress, lack of sleep, or daily challenges. But if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s time to seek medical care:

• Feeling unusually sad, hopeless, or angry
• Sudden anxiety or panic
• Withdrawing from social activities or favorite hobbies
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Feeling emotionally numb or easily overwhelmed
• Mood swings that interfere with relationships or work

These symptoms can stem from conditions like hormonal imbalances, anxiety disorders, depression, or trauma.

Note: if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, don’t try to tough it out for two weeks. Call the 988 Lifeline or go to the nearest emergency room.

How neurological conditions can impact your mood

Mood changes aren’t always just emotional — they can also stem from changes in the brain. At Link Neuroscience Institute, we often see mood-related symptoms linked to concussions and brain injuries, chronic migraines or post-concussive syndrome, neuroinflammation or autoimmune conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases  (like epilepsy, dementia, or multiple sclerosis). 

Because these conditions can affect how your brain regulates mood, getting a full picture of what’s happening is important, not just treating the surface symptoms.

Not only do these conditions affect your brain, but the pain they cause can also take a toll on your mental health. For example, people with chronic pain, such as persistent headaches, are 45% more likely to experience depression.

What we can do to help

Even if your symptoms feel mild, a neurological assessment can help rule out or confirm any underlying conditions so you can get the proper support sooner. 

At Link Neuroscience Institute, we go beyond symptom checklists. Our comprehensive approach includes neuropsychiatric and cognitive testing to detect subtle, brain-based changes and advanced brain imaging and bloodwork to identify potential neurological or inflammatory causes.

For example, if testing reveals your mood changes are related to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) — even a mild concussion — we may recommend post-TBI rehabilitation to support your recovery and mood regulation. 

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with chronic headaches, which are strongly linked to mood disturbances, we offer targeted treatments such as:

• Medical Botox® injections
• Nerve blocks (local anesthetic injections)
• Cervical spinal cord stimulation
• Peripheral nerve stimulation

These therapies are designed to reduce pain, improve function, and ultimately help restore your emotional wellness.

Concerned about your mood? Reach out today!

Mood changes are often the brain’s way of asking for help. Whether you’re dealing with irritability, emotional ups and downs, or a sense that “something just isn’t right,” you deserve answers — and expert support.

To schedule an appointment here in Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California, give us a call or use our online scheduling system.