Irritability - Restorative Health Center

Irritability: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Irritability is a feeling of being easily annoyed, frustrated, or angered. It involves restlessness, agitation, and impulsive behavior. Irritability differs from anger because irritable people react with annoyance more frequently, intensely, and with less provocation.

Everyone experiences irritability occasionally. But when irritability becomes severe, frequent, and persistent, it may signify an underlying health issue such as:

• Depression - Irritability is a common symptom of major depressive disorder. People with depression tend to be short-tempered and sensitive to stress.
• Anxiety - Feeling on edge and restless are cardinal symptoms of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder. Irritability arises from the persistent worry and tension.
• Chronic stress - Prolonged stress overwhelms coping abilities, depletes energy, and sparks irritability. Stress may stem from major life events, finances, relationships, work, or health issues.
• Lack of sleep - Insufficient or poor quality sleep increases irritability. Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Poor sleep hygiene or sleep disorders like insomnia disrupt healthy sleep.
• Hormonal changes - Fluctuating or declining hormones during menstruation, perimenopause, and andropause (male menopause) commonly trigger irritability.
• Chronic pain - Dealing with constant pain stresses the body and provokes irritability. Conditions like arthritis, migraines, and back pain increase irritability risk.
• Medical illness - Diabetes, thyroid disorders, concussions, dementia, and other medical problems may underlie irritable moods.

Acute Irritability	Chronic Irritability
Arises suddenly and intensely	Lasts over weeks
Consider acute triggers	Impacts daily functioning
Illness, new medication, major stress	Seek medical advice
	Other mood symptoms may accompany

To alleviate irritability, identify and manage its root causes. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management, healthy sleep habits, and social support can help. For irritable depression and anxiety, psychotherapy and antidepressant medication often relieve symptoms. Hormonal therapies may aid irritability from menopause or andropause.

Treatment Options	Description
Lifestyle Changes	Exercise, stress management, sleep habits, support
Psychotherapy	For irritable depression and anxiety
Antidepressants	Medication to relieve symptoms
Hormonal Therapies	For irritability from menopause or andropause

Restorative Health Center provides personalized care for hormone-related irritability. Our licensed medical providers conduct thorough evaluations to pinpoint irritability's origins. We offer bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition consults, sleep assessments, stress management, and mental healthcare - tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to discuss irritable mood treatment options and feel like yourself again!

With the right treatment plan, irritability can be successfully managed. Pay attention to new irritable feelings and don't dismiss them as temporary grumpiness. Addressing the causes of irritability early on improves quality of life. Have patience with yourself during the process - recovery takes time. With resilience and professional help when needed, you can overcome irritability and maintain healthy, happy moods.

Conclusion

Irritability is a common but distressing symptom that can arise from various underlying causes. By understanding the potential triggers and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can effectively manage their irritability and improve their overall well-being. If you are experiencing persistent or severe irritability, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.