Which symptom is associated with emotional instability in Cushing Syndrome?

Extreme mood swings are a well-documented symptom associated with emotional instability in Cushing Syndrome. This condition is characterized by excess cortisol production, which can significantly affect a person's mood and emotional state. Individuals with Cushing Syndrome often experience heightened emotional responses, leading to dramatic changes in mood that can swing from euphoria to depression or irritability.

These mood swings are thought to arise due to the effects of cortisol on various brain areas that regulate emotions. Moreover, the stress of dealing with the physical symptoms of the syndrome, such as weight gain, skin changes, and muscle weakness, can contribute to emotional instability, amplifying the experience of extreme mood fluctuations.

In contrast, decreased appetite, increased anxiety, and withdrawal from social activities, while they may be present in some patients, are not as specifically tied to the rollercoaster of emotions exhibited in Cushing Syndrome as extreme mood swings are. Understanding the direct connection between cortisol levels and emotional regulation is key in recognizing why extreme mood swings are a hallmark symptom of this disorder.