13 Mood Changes That Could Indicate a More Serious Condition

5. Disorientation: Lung disease

“Patients with chronic lung disease are at an increased risk of confusion and disorientation,” says pulmonologist Ragheb Assaly, MD. “For example, when patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get pneumonia or infections, they develop worsening oxygen levels in the blood,” he adds. “This is a known cause of confusion.”

6. Apathy: Alzheimer’s disease

According to what the Kent State University researchers wrote in a 2001 paper published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, apathy and loss of motivation are among the most common Alzheimer’s symptoms, even though they’re often overlooked.

The same neurological issue that causes mood changes, is also responsible for the cognitive changes in Alzheimer’s patients.

7. Irritability: Huntington’s disease

Irritability is a good indicator of Huntington’s disease, according to a December 2012 research published in Psychiatry Research. Certain areas of the brain are affected by Huntington’s disease, as well as the deterioration and death of the cells.

Therefore, irritability is a common Huntington’s disease symptom as brain damage can make patients feel more emotionally insecure and irritated.

8. Irritability: Diabetes

Besides being a good indicator of Huntington’s disease, irritability is also one of the symptoms linked to diabetes. As endocrinologist Anis Rehman, MD explains, irritability is often caused by the changes in blood sugar levels.

She also urges people to be very attentive of mood changes and sudden irritability, because these subtle symptoms can help diagnose and treat diabetes, in order to avoid any kind of complications.