Agitation

Alternative names

Restlessness

Definition

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

Considerations

Extreme agitation can lead to confusion, hyperactivity, and outright hostility. Agitation can come on suddenly or gradually. 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 have much clinical significance; but, if viewed with other symptoms, it can be a good indicator of a disease state.

Common Causes

• alcohol withdrawal
  
• nicotine withdrawal
  
• cocaine withdrawal
  
• opiate withdrawal
  
• caffeine
  
• cocaine, hallucinogenic drugs, ephedrine
  
• theophylline or other medicines
  
• vitamin B-6 deficiency
  
• Hyperthyroidism
  
• medical tests that involve injecting a "contrast medium" into the patient
  

Agitation can be assoicated with anxiety and Depression, Bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Home Care

A calm environment, plenty of sleep, adequate lighting, and any measure to reduce stress may help to decrease agitation. Avoid restraining an overly-agitated person if possible, since this usually makes the problem worse.

Communication of feelings is important.

Call your health care provider if

• there is prolonged or severe agitation, especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
  

What to expect at your health care provider's office
Your health care provider will obtain a medical history from either the patient or a family member and do a physical examination.

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

• type
  o Is the patient more talkative than usual or is there a feeling of pressure to keep talking?
  o Does the patient show increased purposeless activity (e.g., pacing, hand wringing)?o Is the patient extremely restless?o Is the patient trembling or twitching?