Treatment of Psychomotor Agitation in Bipolar Disorder

Treatment of Psychomotor Agitation in Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Print Treatment of Psychomotor Agitation in Bipolar Disorder Mental Agitation That Manifests With Frenetic Activity By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 29, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 15, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Russell Johnson / Getty Images Psychomotor agitation  is an increase in purposeless physical activity often associated with  depressive and manic  episodes of bipolar disorder. Psychomotor agitation is a classic symptom that most people readily associate with mania: restlessness, pacing, tapping fingers, dashing about meaninglessly, or abruptly starting and stopping tasks.?? While it  can take many forms and vary in severity, it is an indication of a mental tension that cannot be managed and one that manifests physically with frenetic activity. Causes of Psychomotor Agitation While the condition is not well understood, we do recognize that psychomotor agitation is an integral feature of not only bipolar disorder but other mental and physiological conditions, as well, including: Post-traumatic stress disorder  (PTSD)Panic attacksAnxiety disorderAlcohol withdrawalClaustrophobiaParkinsons disease  Traumatic brain injury  DementiaPsychoactive drug use Psychomotor Agitation in Bipolar Disorder The features of psychomotor agitation can change, sometimes subtly, based on the type of episode a bipolar individual is experiencing: During a manic episode, psychomotor agitation will usually be accompanied by racing thoughts or flight of ideas.?? When this happens, thoughts and emotions often become so overwhelming that they are literally channeled into physical motion. This agitation is commonly accompanied by something known as  pressured speech, a type of frenzied, rapid-fire talking that can border on babbling.During a  manic or hypomanic episode  with mixed features, people with bipolar disorder will experience depression alongside the agitation and anxiety that come with mania. Its a period of increased vulnerability where a person may seem more irritable and emotionally fragile than during a manic phase.  During a depressive episode, agitation may seem contradictory to the emotional state but is actually a common feature of this phase. Rather than it being an expression of manic behavior, psychomotor agitation is fueled by the anxiety and helplessness one inherently feels during a severe depression.   Treatment for Psychomotor Agitation When faced with psychomotor agitation, it is important to explore all possible causes before prescribing medication to treat it. In some cases, the drugs used to stabilize moods during depression can cause extreme anxiety and, in some cases, even suicidal thoughts. At other times, an event, co-existing condition, or illness unrelated to bipolar disorder may have triggered the response. In the end, its important to never make assumptions, whether you are the person living with bipolar disorder or a loved one coping with the sometimes extreme emotional changes. Once all other issues are ruled out, treatment will focus on the gradual reduction of anxiety using medication, counseling, self-help techniques, or a combination of the above. Anticonvulsants or mood-stabilizing drugs may be especially helpful during a manic phase.?? By contrast, atypical antipsychotics can often help when agitation occurs  during a depressive episode. Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines may be prescribed to help manage generalized anxiety.   In addition to drug treatment, cognitive (talk) therapy is considered important in the management of anxiety disorders. Self-help techniques can include meditation, exercise, yoga, breathing exercises, music therapy, and the avoidance of any emotional trigger known to cause anxiety. Find Relief With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs