The recent results of a long-term study of adolescents has some reassuring news for parents of moody teens. Researchers have found that most mood swings will decline as teens get older.

"We found that early adolescence is the period of the greatest volatility, but adolescents gradually stabilize in their moods," according to Hans M. Koot, professor of developmental psychology at VU University Amsterdam and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, a coauthor of the study. "An important message to teens, parents, and teachers is that temporary mood swings during early adolescence might actually be normal and aren't necessarily a reason to worry."

The study found that over adolescent years, teens' moods of happiness, anger, and sadness became more stable. Anxiety was the only mood that did not align with the overall pattern of stabilization, fluctuating between seasons of more and less anxiety.

The researchers suggest that teens who continue to demonstrate extreme mood swings as they age may need to be monitored more closely, as the lack of mood stabilization may be an indicator of emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal problems.

Now What?
- Adolescence is a season of life when teens experience intense emotions. In a real way, they are experiencing "new" adult-like emotions. Emotions like anxiety, worry, frustration, anger, inferiority, passion, and fear can occur with ferocious intensity. It will take time for your kids to learn how to handle and manage these emotions. Be patient.
- Try not to overreact to your teen's extreme mood swings, but do make the effort to help her or him to understand their emotions and to channel them in healthy ways.
- Do your best to be a healthy role model of emotional stability and consistency. Provide opportunities for your teens to get an insider's look at how you handle your emotions.
- Be a good listener. Become the emotional "safe place" that your teen needs to share and process their feelings.
- If your teen continues to experience extreme mood swings as he or she gets older, don't hesitate to seek an evaluation from a healthcare professional.