Causes of agitation

Agitation may be caused by a number of different medical conditions, medication interactions or by any circumstances that worsen the person’s ability to think. Situations that may lead to agitation include:

• Moving to a new residence or nursing home

• Changes in the environment or caregiver arrangements

• Misperceived threats

• Fear and fatigue resulting from trying to make sense out of a confusing world

Treating agitation

Anyone experiencing behavioral symptoms should receive a thorough medical checkup, especially when symptoms appear suddenly. The treatment of agitation depends on a careful diagnosis, determining the possible causes and the types of agitated behavior the person is experiencing. With proper treatment and intervention, symptoms of agitation can be reduced.

There are two distinct types of treatments for agitation: behavioral interventions and prescription medications. Behavioral treatments should be tried first. In general, steps to managing agitation include (1) identifying the behavior (2) understanding its cause and (3) knowing how to respond.

Preventing agitation

To prevent or reduce agitation:

• Create a calm environment. Remove stressors, triggers or danger; move person to a safer or quieter place; offer rest or privacy; limit caffeine use; provide opportunity for exercise; develop soothing rituals; and use gentle reminders.

• Avoid environmental triggers. Triggers include noise, glare, insecure space and too much background distraction, including television.

• Monitor personal comfort, Check for pain, hunger, thirst, constipation, full bladder, fatigue, infections and skin irritation; ensure a comfortable temperature; be sensitive to fears, misperceived threats and frustration with expressing what is wanted.

• Simplify tasks and routines.

Identify triggers

Identifying what has triggered agitation can often help in choosing the best response to the behavior. Often the trigger is a change in the person’s environment:

• Change in caregiver

• Change in living arrangements

• Travel

• Hospitalization

• Presence of houseguests

• Being asked to bathe or change clothing

How to respond

• Listen to the frustration. Find out what may be causing the agitation, and try to understand.

• Provide reassurance. Use calming phrases such as: "You’re safe here;" "I’m sorry that you are upset;" and "I will stay until you feel better."

• Involve the person in activities. Try using art, music or other activities to help the person relax.

• Modify the environment. Decrease noise and distractions, or move to another place.

• Find outlets for the person's energy. The person may be looking for something to do. Take a walk or go for a car ride.

• Check yourself. If the person is agitated, do not raise your voice; show alarm or offense; corner, crowd, restrain, criticize, ignore or argue; or make sudden movements out of the person’s view.

If you have questions or concerns about your loved one's agitation, call us at 1.800.272.3900.