Agitation
Alternate Names : Restlessness
Definition
Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal (stirred up or excited), increased tension, and irritability.
Overview & Considerations
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 a change in alertness (altered consciousness), doctors call this delirium. Delerium always has a medical cause.
Common Causes
There are many causes of agitation, some of which include: - Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal
- Caffeine intoxication
- Intoxication or withdrawal from drugs of abuse (such as cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogens, PCP, or opiates)
- Hospitalization (older adults often have delirium while in the hospital)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- Infection (more often in elderly people)
- Medical tests that involve injecting a "contrast medium" into the patient
- Nicotine withdrawal
- Theophylline or other medicines
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
Agitation can occur with brain and mental health disorders, such as:
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