Agitation Health Article

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Restlessness

Considerations

Extreme agitation can lead to:

• Confusion
• Hostility
• Hyperactivity

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.

Common 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

Home 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.

Call your health care provider if

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