Irritability is defined as an excessive sensitivity or lack of patience, often resulting in feelings of anger, annoyance, or quarrelsome behaviors. It refers to a low threshold for frustration that often leads to impatience, overreactions, outbursts of anger, harsh words, and interpersonal conflicts over minor issues.
Some key characteristics of irritability include:
Irritability differs from anger because anger involves a justifiable emotional reaction to a perceived wrong, while irritability refers more to a quick temper triggered easily by small, everyday frustrations. Irritability is considered abnormal when it occurs frequently, intensely, and across different situations, undermining one's mental health, relationships, school or job performance.
Some key causes contributing to irritability may include:
To manage irritability, some helpful strategies include:
By understanding the common signs, causes, and management tips covered here, those struggling with frequent irritability can get better insight and solutions for improving this challenging behavioral trait. Recognizing excessive irritability as a hurdle to well-being is an important first step to spark personal growth and foster healthier, happier relationships long-term.