agitationrelated

Agitation-related refers to the signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with agitation that arise in medical, psychiatric, or environmental contexts. It is not a single disorder but a symptom cluster that can occur across settings, often requiring rapid assessment to ensure safety and to identify underlying causes. Agitation may present with restlessness, pacing, rapid or pressured speech, emotional distress, difficulty following instructions, and, in some cases, aggression or violence.

Common causes include delirium due to illness, infection, dehydration, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, pain, or withdrawal from substances; psychiatric conditions such as mania, psychosis, or severe anxiety; adverse drug effects or intoxication. Age, cognitive impairment, and sensory deficits can influence presentation, particularly in older adults or those with dementia.

Assessment involves ensuring patient and staff safety, obtaining a rapid history when possible, and conducting a brief mental status examination, vital signs, and必要 laboratory tests to identify reversible factors. Scales such as the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) or other observation tools may be used to quantify agitation severity and track response to treatment.

Management prioritizes identifying and treating the underlying cause, implementing non-pharmacologic de-escalation techniques (calm communication, environment modification, presence of trusted staff), and using pharmacologic therapy when needed. Medications may include antipsychotics or benzodiazepines, chosen with regard to etiology, age, comorbidities, and delirium risk. In all cases, the approach emphasizes the least restrictive, patient-centered care with ongoing reassessment and safety monitoring.