Women feel the 'overload'

The stresses of modern life are giving women a new condition called "irritation overload", research claims today.

A quarter of women said the pressures of juggling work and home mean a whole series of minor irritations mounts up and begins to affect performance at work and relationships.

Factors like uncomfortable shoes, packed public transport, smudged make-up and even laddered tights can combine to cause "irritation overload".

Nearly half of those quizzed said they soldiered on with these irritations rather than deal with them immediately.

Psychotherapist Christine Webber, who helped compile the research for deodorant maker Dove, said: "Although everyday irritations can seem very trivial they actually have a major effect on the wellbeing of busy women."

She added: "Women should remember that it's not always desirable, or necessary, to be so resilient and stoical."