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Mood & Motivation

Irritability

Feeling easily annoyed, frustrated, or angered by things that wouldn't normally bother you, or reacting more intensely than the situation calls for.

  • “why am I so irritable”
  • “snapping at everyone”
  • “little things make me angry”
  • “can't control my temper”

Also called feeling irritable, short temper, easily frustrated, snapping at people, feeling on edge, low frustration tolerance.

Can be part of

Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and 1 more

Not always mental health

6 other possible causes, like sleep deprivation commonly causes irritability

Get help if

Irritability is affecting your relationships

What it can look like

Everyday moments people describe.

Some people describe feeling like they're always one small inconvenience away from losing their patience, even when they know the situation doesn't warrant such a strong reaction.

Where it can come from

Many things can cause this. Only a clinician can tell which applies to you.

Irritability in Major Depressive Disorder

Irritability can be a prominent feature of depression, especially in children and adolescents, sometimes even more noticeable than sadness.

How clinicians describe it

  • “Irritable mood”
About Major Depressive Disorder

Often comes with

When to get help

  • When irritability is affecting your relationships
  • When you notice it's out of proportion to situations
  • When it's accompanied by other mood or sleep changes
  • When you're concerned about acting on angry impulses
Find a psychiatristIn crisis? Call or text 988Explore other symptoms

General information about a common experience, not a diagnosis or medical advice. What you are going through may have many explanations; a qualified professional can help you understand yours. Reviewed 2025-01-15.