Medical Health Encyclopedia

Agitation

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Agitation

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:
Restlessness

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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. 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.

Common Causes:

• 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.

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