Irritability - Rejuvenate Clinic

Irritability is defined as an emotional state characterized by feeling easily annoyed, impatient, and touchy. Some key aspects of irritability include: Causes

• Stress, lack of sleep, pain, and hunger can all make someone more prone to irritability. Irritability can also be a symptom of various medical conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, diabetes, dementia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Certain medications, substance withdrawals, trauma, and personality factors may also play a role. Children and adolescents tend to experience more irritability as their prefrontal cortex is still developing.

Feelings and Behaviors Irritable people are often:

• Impatient
• Short-tempered
• Easily upset by minor annoyances
• Snappish toward others

"Feeling irritated is like an internal fire alarm going off signaling that something is wrong and needs to be addressed." Coping Strategies There are various evidence-based ways to better cope with feelings of irritability:

• Stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, social support, etc. This helps lower cortisol and inflammation.
• Getting enough sleep. Lack of quality sleep worsens irritability.
• Setting healthy boundaries and communicating needs clearly to others.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to challenge irrational thoughts.

When to Seek Help Consult a doctor or mental health professional if irritability:

• Causes significant life disruption
• Is prolonged over weeks/months
• Is linked to suicidal thoughts
• Is paired with other concerning symptoms

Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can help in these cases. The good news is irritability is usually manageable with self-care strategies and professional support if needed. The key is addressing the root causes.