Psychomotor agitation

Psychomotor agitation is a symptom that appears in many disorders and health conditions. It consists of unintentional, purposeless movements and restlessness, often but not always with emotional distress. Typical signs include pacing, wringing the hands, uncontrolled tongue movement and repeatedly pulling clothing off and putting it back on. In more severe cases the movements become harmful, such as ripping, tearing or chewing the skin around the fingernails, lips or other body parts until it bleeds. It is found mainly in mental disorders, especially psychotic and mood disorders, and can result from drug intoxication or withdrawal or from severe hyponatremia. People who already have psychiatric disorders, and men under the age of 40, face a higher risk of developing it. It overlaps with agitation in general, including the agitation seen in predementia and dementia.