It typically follows being asked to do too much at once, being hurried, or failing at a task in front of others. The reaction is out of proportion to the trigger because the trigger was the last straw, not the cause.
Stopping, simplifying and coming back later resolves most of them.
Why it matters
Recognising it as overload rather than temper changes the response from confrontation to retreat.
Sources
Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.
- Alzheimer's Association: Anxiety and agitation
- National Institute on Aging: Managing behavior changes
Catastrophic reaction where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ