Emotional Lability

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Instability in emotions (known as emotional lability) is common after brain injury as the injury often affects the child's ability to control their emotions. Parents often refer to their child having "mood swings". The child who is emotionally labile may be very happy, laughing and running around one moment, but crying or screaming the next. The emotional changes occur for no apparent reason. These mood changes are more intense and more frequent than would usually be expected for a child of the age and are a change from the child's emotional functioning prior to the brain injury.

Emotional reactions may be very hard to predict. The child may react to some things in an unusual way. For example they may become extremely angry when someone makes a noise.

There are often behavioural changes that accompany the emotional changes with the person lashing out verbally or physically when angry or inappropriately hugging and kissing when in a positive mood.

There are some strategies that may assist management of the emotional changes.

• Attempt to identify triggers or situations that seem to exacerbate changes if possible e.g fatigue; over stimulation;
• It is not helpful to become involved in arguing with the child or yelling at them;
• Have some calming activities or safe places that the child can go especially when they are distressed for example reading, music, quiet room.
• Behavioural programmes and strategies can be developed with a Psychologist to assist management of emotional lability;
• In more severe cases it may be necessary to use medication to assist with the emotional lability. This can be discussed with a Rehabilitation Specialist who may also involve other relevant specialists.

Brain injury can also lead to children being more anxious and possibly depressed.

Symptoms such as protracted low mood or sadness, new changes in sleeping or eating patterns, avoidance of activities, should be discussed with a professional.

The emotional lability is often most intense in the early months after the injury and will improve somewhat over time. However, it can be an ongoing problem that requires understanding, support and patience.

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/