Irritability & Anger

Irritability

Irritability is a feeling of agitation. Although, some describe “agitation” as a more severe form of irritability.
Regardless of the term you use, when you’re irritable, you’re likely to become frustrated or upset easily. You might experience it in response to stressful situations. It may also be a symptom of a mental or physical health condition.
Babies and young children are often reported to feel irritable, especially when they’re tired or sick. For example, children often become fussy when they have ear infections or stomach aches.
Adults can also feel irritable for a variety of reasons. If you feel irritable on a regular basis, make an appointment with your doctor. You may have an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Symptoms that often accompany irritability

In some cases, your feelings of irritability may be accompanied or preceded by other symptoms.

For example, these symptoms might include:

  • sweating
  • racing heart
  • fast breathing
  • confusion
  • anger

If a hormonal imbalance is causing your irritability, you may have other symptoms such as:

  • fever
  • headache
  • hot flashes
  • irregular menstrual cycles
  • reduced sex drive
  • hair loss

Anger

Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.
Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems.
But excessive anger can cause problems. Increased blood pressure and other physical changes associated with anger make it difficult to think straight and harm your physical and mental health.