Agitation

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Central nervous system

Overview

Treatment

Agitation

Definition:

A unpleasant state of extreme arousal, increased tension, and irritability. See also anxiety, stress, and tension.

Alternative Names:

Restlessness

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 "contrast medium" into the patient
hallucinogenic drugs

Review Date: 11/20/2001
Reviewed By: Donna R. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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