Fast Five Quiz: Bipolar Disorder With Agitation

W. Clay Jackson, MD, DipTh; Heidi Moawad, MD

Disclosures

February 23, 2023

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, agitation is an extreme form of arousal defined as "excessive motor activity associated with a feeling of inner tension." Activity is inappropriate, repetitive, and nonproductive, and includes behaviors such as pacing, inability to sit still, and communication impairment. At more advanced stages, sleeplessness, confusion, anxiety, verbal incontinence, and reduced cooperation may be present. Although agitation can progress to physical aggression and violence, they are not core features.

Grandiosity is a criterion for mania.

Learn more about agitation in bipolar disorder.

Comments

3090D553-9492-4563-8681-AD288FA52ACE
Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.

processing....