Agitation

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Central nervous system

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

Restlessness

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. Pain, stress, and fever can 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.

• Alcohol withdrawal
• Nicotine withdrawal
• Cocaine withdrawal
• Opiate withdrawal
• Caffeine
• Cocaine , hallucinogenic drugs, ephedrine
• Theophylline or other medicines
• Vitamin B-6 deficiency
• Hyperthyroidism
• Medical tests that involve injecting a "contrast medium" into the patient

Agitation can be associated with anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Review Date: 10/17/2005
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.