Irritability

A state of heightened psychophysiological excitability characterized by a lowered threshold for annoyance, impatience, or anger, with disproportionate emotional or behavioral responses to minimal stimuli.

Causes

• Psychiatric and mood-related causes

  • Depression

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Endocrine and hormonal causes

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

  • Menopause

  • Thyroid disorders

    • Hyperthyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism

• Metabolic and nutritional causes

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Vitamin B deficiencies

  • Nutritional deficiencies affecting nervous system function

• Infectious and systemic causes

  • Infection

  • Fever

  • Systemic inflammation

  • Chronic illness

• Substance and medications

  • Alcohol use or withdrawal

  • Caffeine excess or withdrawal

  • Recreational drugs

• Other causes

  • Chronic pain

  • Stress

  • Fatigue

  • Environmental or psychosocial stressors

  • Insomnia

  • Sleep deprivation