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The chapter explores affective lability, which is a transdiagnostic phenomenon marked by rapid, intense, and unpredictable shifts in mood and affect. Etiologically, affective lability emerges from complex biopsychosocial interactions, including circadian rhythms, environmental stressors, and neurocognitive dysregulation. Epidemiological data indicate a 13.9% prevalence in the general population, with significantly higher rates among individuals with SMI, particularly schizoaffective, bipolar, depressive, and PTSD-related disorders. Affective lability is associated with impaired emotional regulation, suicidality, and diminished psychosocial functioning. Dimensional constructs include oscillation frequency, affective intensity, environmental reactivity, and perceived controllability. Behavioral strategies emphasize structured assessment using validated instruments, psychoeducation, and individualized emotion regulation interventions. The chapter underscores the need for a multidimensional operational definition to improve diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes and targeted approaches to mitigate AL’s disruptive impact on recovery and quality of life.

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Problems with Affective Lability (Mood Swings) in Individuals Living with Serious Mental Illness

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Gerald F. McKeegan

摘要

The chapter explores affective lability, which is a transdiagnostic phenomenon marked by rapid, intense, and unpredictable shifts in mood and affect. Etiologically, affective lability emerges from complex biopsychosocial interactions, including circadian rhythms, environmental stressors, and neurocognitive dysregulation. Epidemiological data indicate a 13.9% prevalence in the general population, with significantly higher rates among individuals with SMI, particularly schizoaffective, bipolar, depressive, and PTSD-related disorders. Affective lability is associated with impaired emotional regulation, suicidality, and diminished psychosocial functioning. Dimensional constructs include oscillation frequency, affective intensity, environmental reactivity, and perceived controllability. Behavioral strategies emphasize structured assessment using validated instruments, psychoeducation, and individualized emotion regulation interventions. The chapter underscores the need for a multidimensional operational definition to improve diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes and targeted approaches to mitigate AL’s disruptive impact on recovery and quality of life.