Condition
Restlessness
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 5 May 20051 min read
Key points
- Agitation refers to an unpleasant state of extreme arousal, increased tension, and irritability.
- Extreme agitation can lead to confusion, hyperactivity, and outright hostility.
- It can last for just a few minutes or for weeks and even months.
- Pain, stress, and fever can all increase agitation.
Alternative names
Agitation
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.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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