Persly Medical TeamCan radiation therapy cause mood swings and how to cope
Key Takeaway:
Can Radiation Therapy Cause Mood Swings as a Side Effect? How to Cope
Radiation therapy can be associated with mood swings and other emotional changes, though the reasons can be both biological and situational. People going through radiation commonly report anxiety, low mood, irritability, and worry during treatment, which can feel like mood swings. [1] These feelings are considered a normal response to the stress of diagnosis and treatment, and support is available to help manage them. [1]
Why Mood Changes Happen
- Stress of cancer and treatment: A cancer diagnosis and daily treatments can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, sadness, anger, or worry that may fluctuate day to day. [1] These fluctuating emotions can present as mood swings during the course of radiotherapy. [1]
- Brain radiation factors: When radiation is directed to the brain, swelling and neurologic effects, as well as steroid medicines often used to control swelling, can contribute to mood changes. [2] Steroids themselves can cause appetite changes, sleep problems, and mood changes that typically improve as the dose is reduced or stopped. [3]
- Fatigue and sleep disruption: Treatment-related fatigue and insomnia can worsen irritability and emotional lability. [4] Managing sleep and energy can indirectly improve mood stability. [4]
What Mood Changes Might Look Like
- Anxiety, nervousness, and worry about treatment results, work, finances, family roles, or cancer returning. [1] These concerns are common across many people receiving radiation therapy. [1]
- Depressed mood or feeling helpless that can ebb and flow over days or weeks. [1] When persistent, these symptoms may require targeted treatment. [1]
Practical Ways to Cope
- Talk it out: Share feelings with trusted people or a counselor; expressing worries can reduce isolation and improve coping. [5] Cancer centers often offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, and can prescribe medicines if needed. [6]
- Relaxation and mindfulness: Gentle breathing, guided meditation, or prayer can reduce stress reactivity and stabilize mood. [7] Many centers provide guided meditations you can access at home. [7]
- Light movement: As tolerated and approved by your care team, activities like walking, yoga, or water aerobics can boost energy and mood. [7] Even short sessions can help regulate sleep and reduce irritability. [7]
- Plan energy use: Prioritize essential tasks for times of higher energy and allow rest to minimize fatigue-driven mood dips. [4] It’s reasonable to scale back nonessential chores during treatment. [4]
- Ask your team for help: Your care team can screen for anxiety or depression and refer you to mental health services or consider medication when appropriate. [8] Early support can prevent mild symptoms from becoming more severe. [8]
When to Seek Prompt Help
- Red flags include thoughts of self-harm, persistent inability to sleep, major appetite changes, loss of interest in usual activities, confusion, or severe restlessness lasting 2 weeks or more. [9] These signs suggest depression or significant distress that deserves timely evaluation and treatment. [9]
Special Note for Brain Radiation
- Brain swelling from radiation can temporarily worsen neurologic and cognitive symptoms, which may indirectly affect mood. [2] Report new or worsening headaches, confusion, or neurologic changes promptly to your team. [2]
- Steroid-related mood changes usually ease as the dose is tapered under medical guidance. [3] Do not change steroid doses on your own; always follow your clinician’s instructions. [3]
Support Services You Can Use
- Counseling and psychiatry services are commonly available through cancer centers and can offer talk therapy and, when needed, medications. [6] Integrative programs (mind–body therapies, music therapy, exercise counseling) can complement standard care. [6]
- Survivorship and wellness resources provide practical tips for staying healthy during treatment and managing common feelings, with pathways to mental health referral. [8] These services can be accessed during treatment not just after it ends. [8]
Quick Reference: Causes and Coping
| Factor | How it contributes to mood swings | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer-related stress | Anxiety, sadness, irritability due to uncertainty and life changes | Counseling, social support, open communication [1] [5] |
| Fatigue/insomnia | Low resilience and irritability | Activity pacing, sleep hygiene, light exercise [4] [7] |
| Brain radiation effects | Neurologic symptoms and brain swelling affecting emotions | Report symptoms early; medical management of swelling [2] |
| Steroid medications | Increased appetite, insomnia, mood changes | Supervised taper; discuss side effects with team [3] |
| Limited support | Feeling alone, helpless | Counseling services and support groups [6] [8] |
Bottom Line
Radiation therapy can be accompanied by mood swings for many reasons emotional stress, fatigue and sleep disruption, and, for brain radiation, treatment and medication effects. [1] Most mood changes are manageable with communication, coping strategies, and timely professional support, and they often improve over time or with targeted care. [8] [6]
Related Questions
Related Articles
Sources
- 1.^abcdefghijAbout External Beam Radiation Therapy(mskcc.org)
- 2.^abcdRadiation Therapy to Your Brain(mskcc.org)
- 3.^abcdBrain radiation - discharge: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia(medlineplus.gov)
- 4.^abcdeAbout External Beam Radiation Therapy(mskcc.org)
- 5.^abRadiation Therapy to Your Brain(mskcc.org)
- 6.^abcdeRadiation Therapy to Your Head and Neck(mskcc.org)
- 7.^abcdeRadiation Therapy to Your Head and Neck(mskcc.org)
- 8.^abcdefStaying Healthy During Cancer Treatment(cdc.gov)
- 9.^abManaging Depression During Your Cancer Treatment(mskcc.org)
Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.