What is irritability?
Irritability is defined as feeling easily annoyed or angered. It refers to a lowered threshold for frustration that makes someone more likely to react negatively to situations that may not bother others.
Some key things to understand about irritability:
- It is a common symptom seen in various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and even physical illnesses.
- There are different degrees - from mild, occasional irritability to more severe, frequent outbursts.
- Multiple factors can contribute including biological causes like hormone imbalances, lack of sleep, poor diet, substance abuse, medications, genetics, etc. Psychological stressors also play a big role.
- While irritability differs from aggression, chronic irritability can lead to aggressive behaviors if not well managed.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Irritability is generally diagnosed based on self-reported symptoms and clinician observation. Ruling out potential medical causes is important via interviews, physical exams and sometimes lab tests.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but often includes:
- Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, regular exercise, healthy diet, stress management, and abstaining from alcohol/drugs
- Psychotherapy to learn coping techniques, thought challenging, communication and anger management skills
- Medications like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, lithium, antipsychotics to help stabilize mood
If hormones are implicated, visiting a specialist clinic like Vital Hormone Clinic can help safely optimize hormone levels through bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, etc. Balancing key hormones like cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid and melatonin is crucial for mood regulation.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if irritability:
- Is excessive, persistent and interfering with daily life
- Is accompanied by other psychological symptoms (anxiety, depressed mood, etc.)
- Leads to aggressive behaviors that concern you
- Doesn't improve with self-management after 2 weeks
Getting an evaluation can help uncover any underlying factors that need treatment. Don't hesitate to get help - chronic irritability takes a toll on health and relationships if left unchecked.