Agitation is a dynamic condition that can escalate rapidly from the mildest (stress, restlessness, anxiety, fear, etc.) to the severe and loss of control (violence, aggression, confusion, etc.)

Agitation is an emergency, so it must be treated quickly and appropriately, generally done in the Emergency Department (IGD)

Some signs of agitation include:

1. Inability to calm down

2. Excessive motor (behavioral) and speech responses and activities

3. Emotional tension

4. Difficulties for communication

Agitation can be caused by:

1. Mental Disorders (Examples: Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Schizoaffective, Major Depression, Dementia, etc.)

2. Non-mental Physical Disorders (Brain Infection, Electrolyte Disorder, Severe Dehydration due to Diarrhea, Lung Infection etc.)

3. Combination of Mental Disorders with Physical Disorders

4. Substance Abuse

Treatment of agitation includes:

1. Fixation, with the aim of protecting the patient and others (including medical staff on duty)

2. Persuasion (persuade) whenever possible

3. Pharmacological intervention in the form of injections and routine drinking drugs

4. Educate the family about what is done

Restless rowdy needs to be treated by understanding the cause thoroughly.

Author: dr. Iriawan Tinambunan, Sp.KJ

Referensi:

Martínez-Raga, J., Amore, dkk. 2018. 1st International Experts’ Meeting on Agitation: Conclusions Regarding the Current and Ideal Management Paradigm of Agitation. Frontiers. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00054.