Psychological and Endocrine Causes of Irritability

Health ecology. Burnout syndrome is recognized by WHO as a serious factor in human health. A typical symptom of this condition is constant irritability, which destroys both professional and personal life.



Irritability: a symptom at the crossroads of psychology and endocrinology
Chronic irritability is one of the most common symptoms of modern society. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, up to 67% of working adults regularly experience conditions of increased irritability associated with occupational stress. However, the causes of this condition are much more complex than it may seem at first glance.
Modern neuroscience considers irritability as a complex phenomenon that occurs at the intersection of psychological and physiological processes. At the same time, both mental factors (chronic stress, emotional burnout) and endocrine disorders often go unnoticed play a key role.
Key facts about irritability

• Irritability is one of the main markers of burnout included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2019.
• Between 2010 and 2023, the number of visits to specialists complaining of chronic irritability increased by 37%.
• In 42% of patients with severe irritability, concomitant hormonal disorders are found
• An integrated approach that takes into account psychological and endocrine factors increases the effectiveness of therapy by 68%

Psychological roots of irritability
Psychological mechanisms of irritability are formed at several levels, each of which requires special attention in the diagnosis and correction of the condition.
Cognitive exhaustion and emotional burnout
Burnout syndrome develops gradually, going through three key phases: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduction of professional achievement. It is in the first stage - emotional exhaustion - that irritability becomes the dominant symptom.
Human cognitive resources are not unlimited. With prolonged overstrain, the supply of neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and emotional stability is depleted. Especially vulnerable are the dopamine and serotonin systems, the imbalance of which is directly associated with increased irritability.
Violation of psychological boundaries
Psychologist Ryan Howlett in his study “Personal Boundaries in the Digital Age” (2022) notes that the blurring of the boundaries between work and personal life, characteristic of modern society, creates a constant background stress. In the absence of periods of complete disconnection from professional duties, the nervous system does not receive the necessary recovery.
“When we are constantly accessible through electronic devices, our brains are chronically ready to respond. This leads to depletion of the prefrontal cortex, an area responsible for controlling impulsive reactions, including irritability. ?

Perfectionism and Internal Criticism
Perfectionism creates the ground for constant internal tension. Unrealistic standards and self-criticism lead to the fact that a person is constantly in a state of dissatisfaction with himself, which is projected on others in the form of irritation. According to a meta-analysis of 43 studies conducted by the University of Toronto, people with high levels of perfectionism are 31% more prone to chronic irritability.


Endocrine mechanisms of irritability

The hormone factor is often underestimated when analyzing the causes of irritability, but the endocrine system plays a fundamental role in regulating emotional responses.
Imbalance of cortisol - stress hormone
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. In a normal state, its concentration follows the daily rhythm: maximum in the morning and minimum in the evening. Chronic stress disrupts this pattern, leading to persistently elevated levels of cortisol, which is directly related to increased irritability.
A study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that people with chronically elevated cortisol levels had a 47% lower irritation threshold than the control group. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol leads to structural changes in the amygdala, the brain region responsible for emotional responses.
Signs of violation of cortisol balance

• Morning fatigue despite adequate sleep
• Increased irritability in the afternoon
• Difficulty falling asleep, even when feeling tired
• An irresistible craving for sweet or salty
• Reducing stress resistance

Thyroid disorders
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the metabolism of the whole body. Even subclinical disorders of its function can manifest as emotional instability. Especially pronounced irritability is observed in hyperthyroidism - a state of increased activity of the thyroid gland.
According to statistics from the American Thyroid Association, up to 28% of patients with unidentified hyperthyroidism initially go to psychologists or psychiatrists with complaints of unexplained irritability and mood swings. Only after the failure of psychological correction is an endocrine examination carried out.
Sex hormones and emotional regulation
Estrogens and progesterone in women, testosterone in men affect not only reproductive function, but also emotional state. Premenstrual syndrome, perimenopause and andropause are periods of hormonal adjustment, often accompanied by increased irritability.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have found that fluctuations in estrogen levels alter the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain, which may explain the link between hormonal fluctuations and emotional instability.
In men, a decrease in testosterone seen with age or chronic stress correlates with a 39 percent increase in irritability, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.


Relationship between psychological and endocrine factors
A key discovery of recent decades has been the understanding of the close bidirectional relationship between psychological and endocrine mechanisms. This connection is realized through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is the central link in the transmission of signals between the nervous and endocrine systems.
Modern psychoneuroendocrinology identifies several key mechanisms of this interaction:

1. Chronic stress activates the release of cortisol, which with prolonged exposure changes the neurochemical balance of the brain
2. Hormonal disorders affect emotional regulation, making a person more vulnerable to stress
3. Sleep disturbances, caused by both psychological and endocrine factors, aggravate irritability
4. Inflammatory processesActivated by both stress and hormonal imbalances affect neurotransmitter function

The vicious cycle of irritability
Psychological factors (stress, perfectionism) → Activation of the stress system → Cortisol release → Impaired function of other endocrine glands → Change in brain neurochemistry → Reducing the threshold of irritability → More intense response to stressors → Increased psychological stress

To break this circle is possible only with an integrated approach that takes into account both psychological and endocrine aspects of the problem.


Practical strategies for overcoming irritability
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A comprehensive approach to reducing irritability
Psychological strategies

• Practice Mindfulness (Mindfulness) Regular meditation for 10-15 minutes daily reduces the activity of the amygdala and increases control over emotional reactions. Studies show a 42% decrease in reactivity after 8 weeks of practice.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy Working with the automatic thoughts and beliefs underlying irritability. It is especially effective for perfectionism and high standards.
• STOP technique - with increasing irritation: C – stop (stop), T – body (pay attention to bodily sensations), O – be aware of your thoughts, P – think about how you really want to react.
• Establishing clear boundaries Determining the time for work and rest, creating rituals of transition between different spheres of life.

Physiological and Endocrine Strategies

• Optimizing sleep compliance with the regime, minimizing screen time 2 hours before bedtime, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the bedroom. Quality sleep directly affects cortisol levels.
• Balanced nutrition Focus on foods that stabilize blood sugar (complex carbohydrates, proteins) and are rich in magnesium and B vitamins (green vegetables, nuts, legumes).
• Regular physical activity 30-40 minutes of moderate activity 4-5 times a week reduces cortisol levels and stimulates the production of endorphins. The most effective aerobic exercises and strength training of medium intensity.
• Regular endocrine examination In chronic irritability, it is recommended to check the level of thyroid hormones, cortisol (preferably the daily profile) and sex hormones.

Adaptogens and nutraceuticals

• Adaptogenic herbs (rhodiola pink, ashwagandha) – help normalize the stress response and cortisol levels. A meta-analysis of 11 studies showed a 31% reduction in subjective stress levels with regular use.
• Omega-3 fatty acids Reduce inflammatory processes in the body and maintain the health of neurons. The recommended dosage is 1-2 g of EPA+DHA daily.
• Magnesium It is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions, including the regulation of the nervous system. Magnesium deficiency enhances the stress response.

Individualization of approach
It is important to understand that there is no universal solution. The strategy of overcoming irritability should take into account the individual characteristics of the person:

• Predominant mechanisms of irritability (psychological or endocrine)
• Chronotype (morning or evening type of activity)
• Temperament and personal characteristics
• Specificity of professional activity and life situation

The most effective is an integrated approach, combining work with a psychologist or psychotherapist and consulting an endocrinologist to exclude or correct hormonal disorders.


Irritability as a signal of the body
Chronic irritability is not just an unpleasant character trait or a consequence of fatigue. This is an important signal of the body about the violation of psychological and physiological balance, requiring attention and an integrated approach.
Modern science demonstrates a close relationship between psychological state and endocrine regulation. Understanding this connection opens up new perspectives for effectively overcoming irritability and preventing burnout.
Careful attitude to the signals of your own body, timely appeal for specialized help and regular practice of emotional self-regulation techniques can not only cope with irritability, but also significantly improve the quality of life in general.
“Irritability is not a sentence, but an opportunity to better understand yourself and to restructure your life in a way that is more aligned with your true needs and values. ?



Glossary of terms
Emotional burnout syndrome
A state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic occupational stress. Since 2019, the WHO has recognized an official medical diagnosis.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
A complex system of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands that regulates the body’s responses to stress, immune functions, and many other physiological processes.
cortisol
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It plays a key role in regulating metabolism and immune function. With chronic stress, its elevated level can negatively affect many body systems.
Hyperthyroidism
A state of increased thyroid activity characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, which leads to an acceleration of metabolism and can cause anxiety, irritability and other symptoms.
Perfectionism
The belief that perfection can and must be achieved. It is characterized by setting extremely high performance standards and critical self-evaluation.
Mindfulness (mindfulness)
The psychological process of drawing attention to current experiences without evaluating or interpreting them. Practicing mindfulness can improve emotional regulation.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
A form of psychotherapy aimed at changing maladaptive thinking patterns that affect behavior and emotions. It is based on the assumption that thoughts, not external situations, determine our feelings and behavior.
Adaptogens
Natural substances, mainly of plant origin, which increase the body's resistance to various stressors (physical, chemical, biological and psychological), helping to normalize the functions of the body.