Mood swings are characterized by fluctuations between which two emotional states?

Mood swings are best defined by fluctuations between sadness and elation. This is because mood swings typically involve a significant shift in emotional states that can range from a feeling of deep despair or sadness to a state of high energy or elation. These emotional transitions can occur over a short period and often manifest in conditions such as bipolar disorder, where individuals experience dramatic shifts between depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic states.

While joy and anger, calmness and excitement, or anxiety and peace can indeed represent differing emotional states, they do not encapsulate the broader spectrum of mood fluctuations commonly associated with mood disorders. The focus on sadness and elation captures the essence of what it means to experience mood swings, highlighting the contrast between low and high affective states. This understanding is critical in behavioral health to assist in recognizing and treating mood-related issues effectively.