Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal (stirred up or excited), increased tension, and irritability.

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.

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:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease)
• Depression
• Schizophrenia