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Agitation

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Definition

Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal, increased tension , and irritability.



Alternative names

Restlessness



Causes

Causes of agitation include: Alcohol withdrawal Caffeine Cocaine , hallucinogenic drugs, ephedrine Cocaine withdrawal Hyperthyroidism Medical tests that involve injecting a "contrast medium" into the patient Nicotine withdrawal Opiate withdrawal Theophylline or other medicines Vitamin B6 deficiency Agitation can be associated with: Anxiety Bipolar disorder Dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease ) Depression Schizophrenia



Definition

Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal, increased tension, and irritability.

Alternative names

Restlessness

Causes

Causes of agitation include:

Agitation can be associated with:

Considerations

Extreme agitation can lead to:

Agitation can come on suddenly or over time. It can last for just a few minutes, or for weeks and even months. Pain, stress, and fever can all increase agitation.

Agitation by itself may not be a sign of a health problem. However, if other symptoms occur, it can be a sign of disease.

When agitation lasts for hours and there is changed awareness (altered consciousness), doctors often call this "delirium." Usually this has a medical cause such as alcohol withdrawal or an infection (in elderly adults). Older adults often have delirium while hospitalized.

Care

The following can reduce agitation:

  • A calm environment
  • Adequate lighting
  • Plenty of sleep
  • Stress-reducing measures

Don't restrain an overly agitated person if possible. This usually worsens the problem.

Communicating your feelings is important.

When to contact a medical professional

Contact your health care provider if you have prolonged or severe agitation, especially if you also have other unexplained symptoms.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your health care provider will take a medical history and do a physical examination.

To help better understand your agitation, your doctor may ask the following questions:

  • Type
    • Are you more talkative than usual or do you feel pressure to keep talking?
    • Do you find yourself doing purposeless activities (e.g., pacing, hand wringing)?
    • Are you extremely restless?
    • Are you trembling or twitching?
  • Time pattern
    • Was the agitation a short episode?
    • Is the agitation persistent?
      • How long did it last -- for how many day(s)?
  • Aggravating factors
    • Does the agitation seem to be triggered by reminders of a traumatic event?
    • Did you notice anything else that may have triggered agitation?
    • Do you take any medications, especially steroids or thyroid medicine?
    • How much alcohol do you drink?
    • How much caffeine do you drink?
    • Do you use any drugs, such as cocaine, narcotics, or "speed" (amphetamines)?
  • Other
    • What other symptoms do you have?
    • Is there confusion, memory loss, hyperactivity, or hostility (these symptoms can play an important role in diagnosis).

Diagnostic tests may include:

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2004:chap 155.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: .5/26/2008

Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.5/26/2008

Agitation Videos

Agitation Articles

  • 3 Ways to Treat Agitation

    ...d expressing it in the form of anger or agitation. Try to get the patient to show you where he hurts and speak with a doctor immediately about treating any underlying conditions. Many medical co...

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    ... many older patients tend to experience agitation in the early evening as they grow tired. Early observation is important, since agitation and anxiety may indicate that it's time to move a loved...

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    ...ger and repetitive behavior patterns as agitation. Get a clinical assessment to be certain. Learn the signs and symptoms of agitation so you know when to expect them and how to handle them. Acut...

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    Create a consistent daily schedule and stick to it as often as possible. A patient in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's may still recognize a daily routine and may begin to look forward ...

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Agitation Images

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Related Diseases

  • Cocaine intoxication

    ..., a feeling of being "high" (euphoria), agitation, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.With higher doses, ...

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  • Delirium

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    Cocaine withdrawal occurs when a heavy cocaine user cuts down or quits taking the drug.

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Vitamins

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Conversations On Agitation

  • My washer and/or dryer is eating my clothes.


    • Posted On October 29, 2008 04:52:44 PM

      ... inside of the washer tub including the agitator if you have one, and all around the inside of the dryer tub too. Something may have come loose or some object came out of some clothes and is s... Read More

    • Posted On October 29, 2008 04:28:59 PM

      [color=#400080:2egw71fx]About three weeks ago, I did some laundry, as I was pulling clothes out of the dryer, I noticed one of my favorite shirts had holes all eaten in it... I have no idea where t... Read More

  • Injured, what can I do?


    • Posted On February 26, 2009 05:31:13 AM

      ...you go around exercising it.. its gonna agitate and make the problem worse. Read More

    • Posted On February 26, 2009 01:35:02 AM

      I bruised my coccyx while spelunking on Saturday and haven't been able to work out. Is there anything I can do to exercise, or should I just lay in bed for a week? I hate not being able to use my... Read More

  • Facts or Faith?


    • Posted On September 4, 2008 03:49:40 PM

      ...cluding obsession with food and eating, agitation, stress-related hormonal imbalances, sleep and mood disturbances, difficulties with concentration and attention, and fatigue. “ You may compro... Read More

    • Posted On September 4, 2008 05:30:34 AM

      Hoping some of the TDP "regulars" will answer. There is a frequent undercurrent of questions along these lines and I have yet to read a clear, objective response. I've been reading lot... Read More

  • Worried recent trauma might cause a spiral back to anorexia.


    • Posted On July 23, 2007 10:23:30 AM

      ... I am mixed type, so I have psychomotor agitation (hyperactivity) while being depressed... Lol hopefully that was clarifying? Read More

    • Posted On July 7, 2007 01:54:22 PM

      Hi, I am 21 years old and am not overweight but joined to try and keep tabs on myself since I tend to start restricting without realizing until it becomes a problem. I was diagnosed with Anorexia N... Read More

  • 1880 cals and still not satisfied


    • Posted On February 10, 2008 09:20:30 PM

      ...ould eat sometimes because i still feel agitated and irritable like the way i did when i didnt eat enough, though i might not be starving. i've been eating more grain/starches, actually star... Read More

    • Posted On February 11, 2008 01:07:50 AM

      i'm pretty much in the same position, trying to increase my cals but finding it all a bit scary as i get my appetite back. i just try and focus on how i'm getting my body healthy again, and that me... Read More

  • anorexia athletica


    • Posted On February 23, 2009 04:43:55 PM

      ...lue on working out that day, and become agitated and distressed if that time is threatened then you may have a problem. Read More

    • Posted On February 25, 2009 08:57:46 PM

      ...lue on working out that day, and become agitated and distressed if that time is threatened then you may have a problem. I think its really hard to draw that line though, you know? If you're use... Read More

Show More

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