Irritability PDF Print E-mail
Share
Irritability describes a state in which you are over sensitive to stimuli and your reactions are often out of proportion to the situation. Signs of irritability are snappiness, tearfulness, inappropriate laughing, tiredness, jumpiness and frustration. The causes of irritability may be physiological, mental or emotional. An emotional shock or traumatic experience may induce a state of irritability, as can fatigue, insomnia, depression and stress.

Physiological and physical causes include hormonal imbalances (for example diabetes and hyperthyroidism and fluctuations of female hormones as occur during PMS), chronic pain (such as arthritis), anaemia, fevers, medications or illegal drugs. As with all emotional and mental imbalances, treating the cause is vital.