A review of agitation in mental illness: treatment guidelines and current therapies.
BACKGROUND
Agitation is an important therapeutic target in the acute and/or emergent setting, as well as for longer-term care of patients with psychiatric illness.


METHODS
Select reviews and guidelines published (from 2000 to 2006) on the treatment of agitation in various psychiatric disorders were evaluated.


RESULTS
After maximizing the safety of all individuals in the presence of an acutely agitated patient, initial therapy generally involves verbal deescalation. Pharmacologic management of acute agitation relies on typical antipsychotics, particularly haloperidol; benzodiazepines; and atypical antipsychotics. The selection of a specific agent (or combination of agents) should be guided by etiologic considerations, efficacy of the drug(s), side effects, potential drug interactions, and drug formulation. Seclusion or restraints are treatments of last resort due to safety issues.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with conventional antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol), preliminary evidence indicates that atypical antipsychotics effectively reduce agitation, are better tolerated, and have fewer side effects. After an acute episode, atypical agents also help ease the transition from intramuscular to oral medication to promote ongoing treatment.
Marder
Stephen R
SR
Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, VISN 22 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, Calif, USA. Stephen.Marder@med.va.gov
D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D012934:Social Isolation; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines