Etiology, Epidemiology and Common Disorders Associated with Agitation

Abstract

Agitation is a frequent clinical condition that notably raises the hospital morbidity. It generally coexists with a wide range of mental and cognitive symptoms and has a diverse clinical course. Agitation is a state of extreme restlessness or irritability including excessive muscular activity accompanied by a sense of inner strain and exceeding restlessness associated with mental discomfort. It occurs frequently in psychiatric units, emergency rooms, and nursing care homes, and is a common condition experienced by the patients especially of neuropsychiatric diseases. Agitation is the third most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptom in dementia, behind apathy and depression, with an overall approximate prevalence of 30%. Agitation has variable prevalence as per the diseases. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about the etiology, epidemiology and common disorders associated with agitation. Trauma particularly to the head, widespread infection, sepsis, dementia, delirium, exposure to toxins, electrolyte imbalances, endocrine abnormalities, and a post-ictal state is one of the risk factors for agitation. Agitation prevalence varies between 30% and 50% in Alzheimer's disease, accounts for 30% in dementia with Lewy bodies, 40% in frontotemporal dementia, and 40% in vascular dementia, as per the various studies. Agitation is a broad category of unrelated behaviours that frequently changes course and is visible in a range of clinical settings. Several underlying pathophysiologic conditions are mediated by dysregulations of the dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and GABAergic systems. Further research will be helpful in defining new management strategies.