Irritability is defined as an abnormal attitude reaction characterized by impatience, quick annoyance, or short temper. It can manifest in different ways, including feeling easily angered, frustrated, or agitated.
Some key things to know about irritability:
- Causes - Irritability can be caused by many factors like stress, lack of sleep, hunger, medication side effects, chronic pain, or mental health conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
- Symptoms - Common symptoms include feeling impatient, restless, tense, sensitive to noises or movements, anger outbursts, trouble concentrating, headaches, fatigue. The severity can range from mild to more extreme.
- Diagnosis - To diagnose the cause of irritability, doctors often ask questions about symptoms, medical history, diet, lifestyle factors, and may order blood tests or other assessments.
- Treatments - Depending on the underlying reason, treatments may include therapy, medication changes, dietary modifications, better sleep habits, stress management techniques, or treating associated health issues.
"So what's the best way to deal with irritability?" Many find success with lifestyle changes like
getting enough sleep, regular exercise, limiting alcohol and caffeine, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
For some, hormones may play a role - imbalances in key hormones like
cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones can contribute to feeling on-edge. This is why at
Hormone Harmony we offer cutting-edge hormone testing and custom treatments to help clients find hormonal balance from the inside out. Our
integrative care plans address lifestyle factors and utilize
bioidentical hormones, supplements, and nutrition plans tailored to your unique biochemistry and health goals.
If irritability persists despite your best efforts, do not hesitate to
talk to your doctor or seek support from a mental health professional. Unmanaged irritability takes a toll over time and can negatively impact relationships, work performance, and overall wellbeing. With compassionate care and
proactive self-care, it is possible to overcome irritability and regain equilibrium in body and mind once more.