How to Treat Agitation

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Agitation is a state of extreme irritability and unrest that often includes confusion, delirium and hostility. The condition can quickly become elevated resulting in aggression and violence. An incident of agitation can pass as quickly as a few minutes or go on for several months. The causes of agitation are varied and treatments are constantly being explored.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Focus on the underlying cause. In some cases agitation is a condition of a mental disorder such as schizophrenia, dementia, anxiety, or bipolar disease. It can also be brought on by something like caffeine withdrawal, substance withdrawal, or a vitamin deficiency.

Step2

Calm the agitated person. It is advised to never try and restrain a person in a state of agitation. Their condition will worsen rapidly and likely result in someone getting hurt. The best course of action is to be able to address the situation at the earliest stage to prevent the occurrence of aggression or violence.

Step3

Speak softly. A person experiencing agitation can often be calmed down using a soft and soothing voice and maintaining direct eye contact. Allowing the agitated person to communicate what is bothering him while offering genuine concern and support can sometimes diffuse the situation completely.

Step4

Seek doctor intervention. Treatment of agitation for a person who does not respond to calming techniques can include administering a sedative to get the person under control. As causes and severity among patients will vary, so does drug treatment. A person with a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder would be treated with Olanzapine, while Lorazepam might be used to treat the person whose agitation is brought on by some type of substance withdrawal.

Step5

Understand the role of environment. Whatever the cause or severity involved, prevention is the best treatment. A calm and soothing environment, free of stress or aggravating items, will go a long way toward the treatment and management of agitation.