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Irritable Mood

Irritable mood can be characterized by abnormal excitability that could trigger anger easily, impatience or annoyance. It can occur in any age.  It can be a normal emotional response to stress, anxiety, puberty, Peri menopause or some other condition. However, ongoing irritable mood and opposite of a social mood may be a symptom of mild to serious disorders and conditions.

Causes of an Irritable Mood

One of the most common causes of a irritable mood is mental health disorder. Psychosis, depression, delusional disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can cause irritability. Alcohol or drug can cause irritable mood or negate a type of mood support. Neurological disorders that affect the brain and nervous system can also cause irritability. Other causes of a irritable mood include stroke, head injuries, head trauma, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, brain abscess, brain tumor and meningitis.

Irritability can be a symptom of a wide range of other conditions or diseases that affect the functioning of the brain and nervous system indirectly. Chronic illness, Perimenopause, fever, hypoxia, premenstrual syndrome, hyperthyroidism and head ache are some of the conditions that can cause irritability. Lack of sleep, common cold, tiredness, flu, diabetes, fatigue, attention deficit disorder, drug or alcohol withdrawal, some medications, mania, panic, eating disorder, insomnia, anemia and caffeine poisoning are some other reasons that could cause irritable mood.

What are the Effects of Irritable Mood

Ongoing irritability can cause problems at work, school and in relationships. One of the most important effects of irritable mood is it reduces your ability to function independently. Moreover, the underlying condition causing irritability may lead to additional consequences. The effects of irritable mood may vary, depending on the root cause. However, restlessness, anger, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, anxiety and irrational thoughts are experienced by many sufferers.

How to Get Irritable Mood Relief

Diagnosing irritable mood and its root cause is important to get relief from it. The process of irritable mood relief starts with talking to the patient and understanding the symptoms. A complete physical examination, including neurological tests and alcohol or drug tests on blood and urine may be performed, if the physician suspects that the root cause of irritable mood may be alcoholism or drug abuse. Treatment for irritability varies, depending on the cause, the presence of some other condition, age, medical history and other factors. Magnesium supplements are usually recommended for irritable mood relief, if it is caused by magnesium deficiency. Vitamin B1, B3, B6 or B12 supplements may be prescribed, if irritability is caused by that deficiency.

Diet, exercise and stress relief methods like meditation can help you get irritable mood relief safely and naturally. Lack of restful sleep can cause irritability. Hence, practicing some habits like avoid watching TV before going to bed, making your bedroom a dark, quiet and cool place and taking warm shower can help you get adequate sleep. A well balanced diet can help improve your mood. Reducing the intake of refined sugar and processed foods can help reduce irritability. Reducing or cutting down caffeine can help promote good sleep, which leads you to have a better mood. Exercise can help release certain chemicals in your brain and thereby help combat mood problems. Herbal remedies like chamomile and Valerian can also help boost relaxation and provide relief from irritability.