If you feel angry, frustrated and overwhelmed, it might be due to psychomotor agitation. It is when someone constantly feels tired, nervous, has tight muscles, and often feels socially isolated. However, it’s important to get professional help to deal with these signs of a disorder. The section below will explain the symptoms, causes, psychomotor agitation treatment, and coping methods. Keep reading this interesting information until the end to determine whether you are facing such an issue. Stay connected with us!
What Is Psychomotor Agitation?
Psychomotor retardation, which is sometimes known as psychomotor impairment, occurs when your mental or physical activities slow down or become harder to perform. This usually appears as slower thinking or movements. It’s not an illness by itself; however, it can indicate major depression or bipolar disorder.
On the other hand, it often impacts people with bipolar disorder. It can also relate to other issues that affect mental health or how the brain works. It represents a physical sign of anxiety and mental stress, which can be tough to deal with and manage.
Psychomotor Agitation ADHD
Psychomotor ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is shown by restlessness, trouble sitting still, and actions that repeat, like tapping, pacing, or fidgeting. People with ADHD often feel a strong inner restlessness, which can appear as physical agitation. This condition can be hard to manage, especially when it disrupts daily activities, focus, and social interactions.
Dealing with PMA in ADHD needs a mix of medication management, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Techniques like structured routines, mindfulness practices, and regular physical activity can help reduce agitation. However, talking to a healthcare professional like those at MAVA Behavioral Health is important because we can provide a more personalized Psychomotor agitation treatment plan.
Psychomotor Agitation Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of PMA include:
- Muscle tension
- Inability to relieve tension
- Sudden weakness
- Hyperactivity to stimulus
- Physical tremors
- Sweating
- Disorientation
- Anxiety
- Frustration
Psychomotor Agitation Causes
When you have psychotic agitation, you’re restless, and you keep making repetitive movements. These can include pacing, fidgeting, or even wringing your hands. You also feel agitated, which is uncomfortable. Some people injure themselves because of this excessive movement. However, you might chew the insides of your cheeks or pick at the skin around your fingernails. Below are the causes of psychomotor agitation include:
1. Biological Factors
Changes in how the basal ganglia, which are part of your brain, can cause psychomotor retardation. The basal ganglia help control muscle movements; you are really important. However, there’s a connection between psychomotor changes and faulty dopamine neurotransmission in people with major depression. This process, dopamine neurotransmission, is how the brain chemical dopamine sends messages between nerve cells.
2. Health Factors
Depressive episodes in individuals with major depression or bipolar disorder can result in psychomotor retardation. Other conditions can also trigger or worsen this issue. For example, anxiety disorders can be a factor; however, some psychotropic medications might have side effects that add to this problem. Stress is another element that can heighten the severity of symptoms.
- Diabetes
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Dementia
3. Age Factor
Sometimes, psychomotor retardation is caused by aging. Slowing mental and physical activities is normal as you age because it can reduce reaction times or decrease physical stamina. However, with psychomotor retardation, this slowing down is more serious and can indicate an underlying condition. It can manifest as significant difficulties initiating movements, slower speech, or delayed cognitive processes.
4. Depression and Anxiety
Some people with depression feel more agitated and restless during their depressed episodes. This can be a different presentation of depression than what people are used to seeing. However, this can cause it to be overlooked. Similarly, anxiety causes a heightened state of arousal and nervous energy. Although this often makes people with anxiety feel like they need to move or fidget to release this energy, it can lead to pacing, fidgeting, tapping, or other movements. Because of this, the signs of both conditions can sometimes be mistaken for something else.
5. Excessive Use of Medications
Stimulant meds and steroids can also cause agitation. Psychotic agitation is a symptom of withdrawal from certain meds, such as benzodiazepines. This can result in similar symptoms of restlessness, irritability, and too much movement. Although these effects can be concerning, it’s important to understand your reasons because you help explain what is happening.
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Psychomotor Agitation in Children
Psychotic agitation in kids involves a lot of excessive, restless movements and a hard time sitting still. This can mean fidgeting, pacing, hand-wringing, or talking fast. Unlike normal energetic behavior, it is often driven by inner tension or anxiety, making the child seem anxious, irritable, or restless. You might find it challenging to control these movements and often have difficulty focusing or joining in calm activities.
Recognizing such issues in children is very important for early intervention. It’s crucial to watch if the restless behavior happens often over time and if it comes with other symptoms like changes in mood, trouble sleeping, or problems in school.
Difference Between Agitation and Anxiety
Psychomotor Agitation | Anxiety Disorder |
| A state of restlessness and increased physical activity, often visible. | A feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear that is often internal and less visible. |
| Pacing, fidgeting, hand-wringing, inability to sit still. | Muscle tension, sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling, or dizziness. |
| Typically involves frustration or irritability; may be reactive. | Often involves persistent worry, dread, or fear about the future. |
| It can be triggered by stress, frustration, or underlying mental health disorders. | Often related to stressors, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or phobias. |
| It may come in short bursts or episodes, depending on the trigger. | It can be chronic, lasting weeks, months, or longer, with varying intensity. |
Living and Dealing with Psychomotor Retardation and Agitation
Changing your lifestyle can help you feel better if you have psychomotor retardation. For example, regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels. Here are a few tips to follow:
1. Maintain a Daily Routine
Completing anywhere from 2 to 3 tasks in a single day is possible when one divides your tasks. If energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, it is wise to plan accordingly. Routine and structure can help one overcome feelings of sluggishness.
2. Complete the Task in Breaks
Distribute the overwhelming tasks into a series of smaller, manageable steps. As you have the energy to do them, complete them. The project then does not seem overwhelming, and you can keep going.
3. Exercise Daily
Regular physical activity has helped people eliminate extra energy and have the nervous, agitated feeling of a place to go. It has the effect of reducing symptoms and helping to feel better in life in general.
4. Focus on Personal Care
Simple activities like showering and dressing properly can be a source of achievement and steadiness. There are many ways in which one may focus on nursing himself, even during periods of agitation.
5. Eliminate the Negative Thoughts
Mindfulness or cognitive behavioral techniques can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Redirecting your mind toward positive thinking can ease emotional distress.
6. Seek Professional Help
When PMA hurts your work, school, sleep, or relationships, you may want to consider seeking professional help. While this may simply be a sign of increased stress and nothing to worry about, you also want to rule out any serious mental health or medical conditions.
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Psychomotor Agitation Treatment
Psychomotor agitation treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. For example, if your doctor finds that antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills are causing PMA, you may switch your medication. If such an issue is related to manic or depressive episodes, your doctor may prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medicines.
1.Medication
As an overall rule of thumb, medication is usually indicated in treating it during intense symptoms or those that interfere with daily functioning. The kind of medication would be determined based on the primary condition contributing to the agitation, anxiety, mood disorder, or other psychoses.
2.Antidepressants
There are several SSRIs, among which some are more popular than others, such as fluoxetine, marketed under the brand name Prozac, and sertraline, branded as Zoloft. You may relieve symptoms associated with depression or anxiety.
3. Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics-including drugs like olanzapine or risperidone, may be used to treat agitation related to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These medications also quiet the mind, decreasing agitation and irritability symptoms.
4. Benzodiazepines
Medications like lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium) can quickly help with sudden episodes of agitation and anxiety. However, you are mostly used briefly because of the risk of becoming dependent on them and side effects, such as drowsiness. Although you are effective, it’s important to be cautious, but many people still rely on them.
5. Mood Stabilizers
Medications such as lithium or valproate are often given to people with bipolar disorder, which can lead to mood swings and agitation. You help keep a more stable mood. However, sometimes, you might not work for everyone. This is important because every person is different, and some may still experience intense restlessness.
6. Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers like propranolol can sometimes be used to manage physical symptoms of agitation, such as a racing heart or trembling. You are instrumental when the agitation has a strong physical component.
In a Nutshell
Psychomotor agitation is a state that people might go through for different reasons. Those who have a mood disorder or a medical issue can often avoid PMA by treating the main problem. Self-help strategies, such as exercise, finding a quiet room to relax and journaling, can help people manage their mild symptoms and stay in control. If you or someone close to you is facing such an issue, reaching out to a healthcare professional is a good idea. You may also want to book an appointment with MAVA Behavioral Health because we can offer better Psychomotor agitation treatment options. Thus, you may simply call or visit our website.
