Severe agitation
Severe Agitation: Causes, Signs, and Treatment
Severe agitation is a serious mental health issue which, if left untreated, can cause significant harm. It is characterized by a sudden, intense, and uncontrollable feeling of distress or discomfort which can lead to extreme behavior. Agitation can affect an individual’s day to day life, as it can significantly interfere with functioning in social, occupational, or academic settings.
Causes of Severe Agitation
Agitation can be caused by many different factors, both physical and psychological. Some common physical causes include:
- Medication reactions or side effects
- Viral sickness or infection
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Head injuries
Psychological causes of agitation can include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Substance abuse
- Alcoholism
- Panic disorders
- Depression
- Stress reactions
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Agitation
The signs and symptoms of severe agitation can vary depending on the individual and cause. Common signs and symptoms can include:
- Racing thoughts
- Elevated heart rate
- Anger or aggression
- Dissociation
- Hallucinations
- Impaired judgment
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
Treatment Options for Severe Agitation
The treatment plan for severe agitation depends on the underlying cause and the individual's level of distress. Treatment options can include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy used to treat agitation by helping the individual modify their thoughts and behaviors.
- Medication: Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers can be used to reduce agitation. While they do not cure the underlying disorder they can provide relief of symptoms.
- Atypical Antipsychotics: These drugs are used to treat severe agitation that has not responded to other treatments.
- Lifestyle modifications: Making changes to lifestyle such as getting adequate rest and exercise and practicing relaxation techniques can help mitigate the effects of agitation.
- Alternative therapies: Alternative treatments such as phototherapy, aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation can be helpful in managing agitation.
It is important to seek medical help if you or someone you know begins to experience severe agitation. If left untreated, the symptoms can have a lasting impact on the individual’s life. With the right treatment plan, however, many individuals are able to successfully manage their agitation and improve their quality of life.