Agitation is a feeling of restlessness, irritation, and anger that can generally make you pacing or wringing your hands incessantly. In certain situations, normal agitation occurs. However, there is also agitation that can be a sign of a mental health disorder.
In general, agitation is a symptom of the disorder mood arising in response to stress. It is undeniable that there are various pressures or events in life that can disturb our feelings or thoughts, be it from work, school, or a partner. In this situation, agitation is normal.
However, sometimes agitation can also occur without any trigger. Usually this is caused by physical or mental health problems, whether consciously or not. This kind of agitation can come on suddenly and last a short time or come on slowly and last a long time.
Various Symptoms of Agitation
Typically, agitation is an episode characterized by the following common symptoms:
- Feelings of discomfort or restlessness
- Flustered
- Talk too much
- Involuntary, aimless movements, such as pacing or tugging at one's own clothes
- Unable to cooperate or unresponsive to others
- Easily offended
- Saying rude or even threatening
Not everyone who experiences agitation will exhibit the above attitude. This depends on the severity of the agitation.
Agitation Is A Symptom That Needs To Be Treated If Triggered By This Condition
As stated earlier, agitation is a normal expression of emotion when we are under stress. However, be aware if the agitation often comes on suddenly or even lasts a long time, because the triggers could be:
1. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia causes sufferers to have difficulty in distinguishing reality from their own thoughts. In addition, this disorder can also cause hallucinations that make him feel threatened.
These things can certainly disturb the peace of people with schizophrenia, so that eventually agitation occurs.
2. Bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders
These three conditions can cause drastic changes in a person's emotions and energy levels. One of the symptoms that can arise is agitation.
In addition to agitation, people with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders may also experience other symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much, alcoholism, dietary changes, or even suicidal thoughts.
3. Hormone imbalance
Another cause of agitation to watch out for is hormonal imbalance, such as hypothyroidism. In this condition, the body lacks thyroid hormone, so the brain and organs of the body do not work as effectively as usual.
Symptoms may include impaired concentration, constipation, depression, anxiety, and fatigue, all of which can lead to agitation.
Hormonal changes when approaching menstruation can also cause disturbances mood severe or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This condition can cause a person to be agitated, cry constantly, forget easily, feel very tired, and even have problems with work or relationships.
4. Autism disorder
Anyone will feel uneasy if they can't express what's on their mind. That is why people with autism are easily agitated, even to the point of behaving aggressively. This is because people with autism basically have problems expressing feelings or communicating.
5. Addiction and withdrawal symptoms
Alcoholics will generally use alcohol as a sedative. As a result, when he does not get alcohol intake, he will be restless or agitated. At that time, he can also experience nausea, cold sweats, shaking, hallucinations, vomiting, and even seizures.
In addition to the causes of agitation mentioned above, agitation can also result from Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and disorders of the nervous system, such as brain tumors. On the other hand, if a person is agitated but doesn't seem aware of their surroundings, they may be suffering from delirium.
Agitation is a normal condition. But if you often experience symptoms for no apparent reason, you should immediately consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to find out the underlying cause and get the right treatment.