Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Medical Web Links

MOL Site Map

Sites

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Irritability in Adults

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Irritability is a state of being overly sensitive to stimulation. Adults who are irritable may easily become impatient or angry.

What is going on in the body?

When a person is irritable, he or she may be responding to something that causes pain, concern, fright, or discomfort. In some cases, a serious medical condition can cause irritability.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Mild irritability in adults is common. It can be due to the person being tired or overworked, having a bad day, or just dealing with long lines and traffic. However, adults may also become irritable from a number of medical conditions, including:

injury or infections of any part the body

addiction to or withdrawal from drugs, including alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine

head injury or intracerebral hemorrhage, which is bleeding inside the brain

increased intracranial pressure, which is increased pressure within the brain that can be caused by brain tumors or other conditions

infections involving the brain, such as meningitis, an infection of the brain lining

elder abuse

cancer, such as a brain tumor

reaction to medications or vaccines, such as a flu shot

any serious illness, such as liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, or heart disease

emotional or mental disorders, such as acute situational anxiety\ \generalized anxiety disorder\ \ panic disorder \ \ post-traumatic stress disorder \ \phobias\ \ obsessive compulsive disorders \ ',CAPTION,'Anxiety Disorders');" onmouseout="return nd();">anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, depression, abnormal grief, or post-traumatic stress disorder

headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches

autoimmune disorders, in which a person's immune system attacks his or her own body

hormone imbalances, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), diabetes, and hyperthyroidism

poisoning from toxic substances, such as lead poisoning

vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as iron or folate deficiency

any other new or chronic illness

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement