Psychomotor agitation

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Psychomotor agitation
Classification and external resources
ICD-9 308.2
MeSH D011595

Psychomotor agitation is a series of unintentional and purposeless motions that stem from mental tension and anxiety of an individual. This includes pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, uncontrolled tongue movement, pulling off clothing and putting it back on and other similar actions. In more severe cases, the motions may become harmful to the individual, such as ripping, tearing or chewing at the skin around one's fingernails or lips to the point of bleeding. Psychomotor agitation is a symptom typically found in major depressive disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sometimes the manic phase in bipolar disorder though it can also be a result of an excess intake of stimulants. It can also be caused by severe hyponatremia. The middle aged and the elderly are more at risk to express this condition[citation needed].


Both intramuscular midazolam and droperidol decrease the duration of agitation.[1] In those with psychosis causing agitation there is not a lot of support for the use of benzodiazepines.[2]

See also[edit]


  1. ^ Isbister GK, Calver LA, Page CB, Stokes B, Bryant JL, Downes MA (October 2010). "Randomized controlled trial of intramuscular droperidol versus midazolam for violence and acute behavioral disturbance: the DORM study". Ann Emerg Med 56 (4): 392–401.e1. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2010.05.037. PMID 20868907. 
  2. ^ Gillies, D; Sampson, S; Beck, A; Rathbone, J (Apr 30, 2013). "Benzodiazepines for psychosis-induced aggression or agitation.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 4: CD003079. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003079.pub3. PMID 23633309.