Agitation

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. External stimuli , pain, stress , and fever 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:
  • anxiety
  • alcohol withdrawal
  • appetite suppressants (such as amphetamines)
  • caffeine
  • cocaine intoxication
  • nicotine withdrawal
  • drug withdrawal (see cocaine withdrawal and opiate withdrawal )
  • vitamin B6 deficiency
  • hyperthyroidism
  • drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine , ephedrine, or theophylline
  • certain medical tests that involve injecting a

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



    What to Expect:
    The medical history will be obtained from either the patient or a family member, and a physical examination will be performed.

    Medical history questions documenting agitation in detail may include:

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

    • time pattern
      • Was the agitation a short episode?
      • Is the agitation persistent?
        • How long did it persist--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?

    • other

    Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

    After seeing your health care provider:
    You may want to add a diagnosis related to agitation to your personal medical record.