Open AccessAgitation in the medically ill elderly
Author(s) -
AO Aloa,
Maureen Soderberg,
Marvin Koss
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
west african journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-160X
DOI - 10.4314/wajm.v24i2.28191
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care medicine , critically ill , quality of life (healthcare) , psychomotor agitation , psychiatry , nursing
Agitation is a common and significant problem in the medically ill elderly. It is responsible for diminished quality of life for not only the patient, but the caregivers as well as the patient's relatives. This paper will illustrate the concept of agitation and different modes of classification. The major emphasis will be placed on discussing prompt, correct diagnosis of the underlying cause of agitation and effective treatment of both the cause of agitation and the symptoms of agitation itself.