Agitation combines inner psychological tension with physical restlessness — a driven, unable-to-settle quality that differs from simple anxiety in its more pronounced physical expression. It manifests as pacing, an inability to stay in one position, and heightened reactivity to stimuli. Agitation features in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder (particularly mixed or manic states), acute stress responses, substance withdrawal, certain medications, thyroid dysfunction, pain states, and dementia in older adults.

What lifestyle changes can help with agitation?

Physical movement as a regulated outlet. Reduce stimulants. Grounding and calming sensory strategies. Structured routine. Breathwork for acute regulation. Address sleep deprivation which significantly increases agitation.

What integrative approaches support agitation?

Agitation in psychiatric conditions responds to both psychological and pharmacological approaches depending on cause. Akathisia is frequently underrecognised and misattributed to psychiatric deterioration. Delirium-related agitation requires treatment of the underlying cause. DBT has evidence for emotion dysregulation-driven agitation.

When should I seek professional support for agitation?

Agitation following new or changed medication (akathisia) Agitation with confusion, fever, or altered consciousness (delirium) Combined with suicidal ideation or intent to harm others Agitation in dementia causing safety concerns

emotionalAlternativeComplementaryHolistic

Agitation

A state of inner unease, physical restlessness, or psychological distress characterised by heightened emotional reactivity and an inability to find calm. Distinct from anxiety by its greater emphasis on outward agitation.

Understand what may be causing this

Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review26 March 2026Moderate Evidence

Quick answer

Agitation (ICD-10: R45.1; ICD-11: MB24.4) spans anxiety disorders, akathisia, bipolar disorder, and delirium. Akathisia is a clinically important medication-related cause. DBT and ACT have evidence for anxiety-driven agitation. Acute agitation with confusion requires urgent medical assessment.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

Feeling internally stirred up or unable to settle

Pacing, fidgeting, or inability to remain still

Emotional outbursts triggered by minor frustrations

Tension that builds until released through movement or speech

Sense of urgency without a clear cause

What is Agitation?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Commonly explored for conditions related to Agitation, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.

Integrates across:ComplementaryAlternativeHolistic

How to use these approaches

🛡 Stabilise— Immediate relief

⚖️ Regulate— System balancing

🌱 Resolve— Root cause

✦ Sustain— Long-term

Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.

Psychological Mechanism

Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.

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Agitation

Do any of these feel familiar?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Occupational Therapy

Positive Parenting

Parenting

Animal Assisted Therapy

Sound Therapy

Sculpture Therapy

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What You Can Do Now

This symptom is often connected to

Alzheimer disease

Autism spectrum disorder

Dementia

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About Agitation

Integrative Approaches & Evidence

When to Seek Support

Frequently Asked Questions

References