Anger and irritability can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious problem. Discuss these possible conditions with your doctor to learn more.
Side Effects of Medications
Some medications can disrupt mood. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you are taking to see if any of them are known to cause these problems.
Depression
Depression can cause a person to feel irritable. If you are sad or down most of the day nearly everyday or you have experienced a loss of interest in or pleasure in the things you used to enjoy, you may be struggling with depression. You can explore this site for further information and resources on Depression or ask your doctor for help.
Anxiety
Sometimes people have anger due to anxiety. If you are distracted by negative thoughts and worries, then you may be struggling with anxiety. If you feel very tense, try our Audio Time Outs to reduce muscle tension and physical stress link here
Sleep Deprivation
If you are not getting regular and quality sleep, this may contribute to anger. You can explore this site for further information and resources for sleep.
Chronic Pain
Coping with chronic pain is stressful and frustrating. This can leave you with little patience for other people or for unexpected events. Properly addressing your chronic pain may also improve your mood. You can explore this site for further information and resources on managing chronic pain.
Menopause
If you are menopausal or peri-menopausal, it is very common to have angry outbursts that don’t seem to make sense later. This is normal but there are ways of making these outbursts less frequent and less severe. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your mood during this hormonal shift.
Other Physical Concerns
There are some physical concerns and nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to anger. A few common ones are low vitamin D, low B12, Folic Acid, and thyroid concerns. Some medical conditions such as dementia, delirium, MS, and Parkinson’s have been linked with anger and irritability as well. Talk with your doctor about whether any of these issues may be a problem for you.
Addiction
If you are struggling with an addiction to any drug, alcohol, smoking, or even food, you may have increased agitation, anger and irritability. Please ask your doctor for help with these concerns. They are very serious and will likely get worse if not addressed.
Food Allergies
Some people have unique allergies to certain foods. These allergies can cause angry outbursts that don’t seem to make sense. Some common causes are gluten intolerance, eggs and food colorings. Ask your doctor is this might be a factor for you.