Irritability

What is irritability?

Irritability is defined as feeling easily annoyed, impatient, and touchy. It refers to a low threshold for frustration in response to external stressors.

Some key things to understand about irritability:

• It is a common symptom or side effect of many medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, PMS, thyroid disorders, dementia, and more. Irritability can manifest as increased anger, frustration, or moodiness.


• Irritability is linked to dysfunction in areas of the brain that regulate emotions and behavior, like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex networks. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine also play a role.


• It can significantly impact relationships and quality of life. Irritability often causes conflict with friends, family, and co-workers.


• For some people, irritability is situation-specific and temporary. For others, it is frequent and persistent over time.

If you struggle with ongoing irritability, consult with a mental health professional. Treating the potential underlying cause is key. Counseling techniques like CBT and mindfulness can also help. Lifestyle changes to reduce stress are important too.

At Balance & Renew Clinic, we often see patients with irritability related to hormone imbalances like thyroid disorders, PMS, perimenopause, and andropause. Our specialized hormone tests can uncover these imbalances. We provide customized hormone therapy, nutrition plans, and lifestyle coaching to help patients find relief. Contact us today for a consultation!

Some examples of irritable behaviors include:

• Snapping at loved ones over minor issues


• Feeling on edge frequently


• Having dramatic emotional reactions


• Struggling to cope with daily frustrations and setbacks

People with irritability tend to see the world through a lens of negativity. They may fixate on or exaggerate problems rather than seeing the positive.

If someone close to you seems persistently irritable, approach them with empathy and compassion. Don’t take their moods personally. Instead, ask how you can help or encourage them to seek solutions from a mental health professional. Offering judgment-free emotional support is important too.

In summary, understanding the nuances of irritability can help those suffering get the right treatment. Reaching out for professional medical or mental healthcare makes a big difference. Treatments aimed at biochemical imbalances often work well for irritability. There are also many self-help strategies to reduce irritability, but getting an accurate diagnosis should come first.