Irritability - Balance Hormone Center

Irritability is defined as an excessive sensitivity or impatience to inconvenience, annoyance, or lack of comfort. It refers to a lowered threshold for becoming angered or impatient over minor frustrations, hassles, or delays that most people take in stride. Some key characteristics of irritability include:

• Quickness to anger, annoyance, or impatience over small matters
• Disproportionate emotional reactions to frustrations
• Lowered frustration tolerance threshold compared to most people
• Tendency to overreact emotionally

Irritability differs from anger in that it refers more to a readiness to become angry or impatient rather than the anger emotion itself. It is more of an attitude or mood state rather than an emotion. What causes irritability? Irritability can have many causes, including:

• Lack of sleep - Fatigue lowers tolerance for frustrations.
• Hunger - Can make people more sensitive or reactive.
• Stress - Heightens reactivity and lowers coping resources.
• Depression and anxiety - Associated with inner agitation and tension.
• Medical conditions - Various illnesses and medications.
• Withdrawal - From alcohol, drugs, or medications. Heightens reactivity.

Managing irritability Steps individuals can take to manage irritability include:

• Getting adequate sleep
• Eating healthy meals at regular times
• Using stress management techniques
• Treating underlying conditions if present
• Avoiding mood-altering substances
• Using relaxation techniques to calm down
• Modifying situations to reduce frustrations

When to seek help See a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation if:

• Irritability persists daily for two weeks or more
• It is significantly impacting relationships or work
• It occurs with other emotional or behavioral symptoms
• There is risk of harming self or others

In summary, irritability refers to a lowered tolerance threshold before becoming impatient or angry when hassled. While occasional irritability is normal, frequent or persistent irritability may require professional medical or mental health evaluation and treatment. Key is determining if it stems from manageable lifestyle factors or an underlying physical or psychiatric disorder.