Agitation

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Central nervous system

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

Restlessness

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.

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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

Review Date: 05/26/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.