Anger is a natural and healthy emotion. Frequent outbursts however are unhealthy and could signal deeper problems. Some medical conditions can intensify your anger or make you angry for no discernible reason. Here are some medical reasons why you may find yourself irritable and angry all the time.
Anxiety and anxiety drugs
People with anxiety issues usually feel overwhelmed and when challenging situations arise, they may blow up without really understanding why. Some medications given to treat anxiety-related conditions like panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have the side effect of causing fits of anger. They are rare but happen especially for people with aggressive personality types.
5 Ways To Deal With Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid is a condition that is more common in women. It’s also referred to as hyperthyroidism and occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid affects everything that has to do with metabolism, can increase your restlessness and nervousness and cause difficulty concentrating. It can also be the reason you’re yelling at everyone and biting off their heads at the slightest provocation. Health: Thyroid Problems – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
High cholesterol
High cholesterol levels lower your levels of serotonin which is the happiness hormone. Low serotonin levels can lead to a short temper and depression. To make it worse, the medication that is widely prescribed to lower cholesterol has been linked to aggression.
Health And Nutrition: Foods To Improve And Lower Cholesterol Levels
Depression
Depression leads to feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt which can lead to feelings of anger and agitation. Irritability often goes along with despair. Depressed men in particular are more likely to have violent explosions, turning their anger outwards.
7 Daily Habits For Managing Depression
Sleeping pills
Some sleeping pills operate by slowing down a variety of brain functions. With the reduction in some brain functions, an irritable person can be even more irritable. Plus, high cholesterol medication that is sometimes given to treat insomnia is linked to aggression.
Health: The Pros And Cons Of Taking Sleeping Pills
Diabetes
There is a link between lower-than-normal blood sugar levels and anger. This is because the hormones that are used to control blood sugar are the same ones used to regulate stress.
Epilepsy
An epileptic seizure is an electrical disturbance in the brain. Having a seizure can be scary and confusing for the person and some people can lash out after having a seizure. In children, anti-seizure medication can cause behaviour changes and outbursts.
Health: Epilepsy & Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms And Treatment
Liver failure
According to Chinese medicine, chronic anger is linked to poor liver function.
Autism
Also referred to as autism spectrum disorder, autism is a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain. It is characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Being swamped with multiple tasks or sensory stimulation can enhance the anger of the person.
Health: Common Myths About Autism
PMS or Menopause
People joke about PMS, but the agitation women feel because of it is real. With premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a less frequent but more intense form of PMS, anger can be extreme. During menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop which is linked to mood changes.
Health: The Symptoms Of Early Menopause, Causes And Treatments
Dementia
Anger is a common symptom as many forms of dementia advance. This is true of Alzheimer’s disease which is a form of dementia that affects a variety of brain functions including emotional behaviour and personality. Outbursts of anger and fury are common which is especially difficult for caregivers. The anger could be because of physical discomfort or trouble communicating.
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