Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Psychomotor agitation (PMA) occurs when a person has increased movement related to an underlying health disorder. Typically, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder bring on PMA, but the condition can also exist in people withcentral nervous systemdiseases.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for people with PMA.
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What are the Symptoms of Psychomotor Agitation?
There are many early signs and symptoms of PMA. They can be broken into three categories: behavioral, cognitive, and physical.
As PMA worsens over time, the symptoms can become more severe and include:
People with PMA may move or speak in specific hyperresponsive ways. Some psychomotor behaviors include:Moving around quickly without going anywherePacing around the roomTapping fingers or toes continuouslyStarting or stopping activities abruptlyMoving objects from one spot to another without reasonFidgeting with their clothes, hair, etc.Biting or peeling the skin from their lips until they bleedChewing on the inside of the mouthPicking skin off of their fingers around their nails
People with PMA may move or speak in specific hyperresponsive ways. Some psychomotor behaviors include:
What Causes Psychomotor Agitation?
There are several health disorders associated with PMA. They can be psychological or neurodegenerative. The two most notable ones areschizophreniaandbipolar disorder. That said, other psychological disorders can lead to PMA, such as:
Neurodegenerative diseases that have been documented alongside PMA include:
Traumatic brain injuries(TBIs) may also bring on PMA in some people.
What Substances Cause PMA?There are several substances, both legal and illegal, that can drive PMA. They include:NicotineAlcoholStimulantsDepressantsOpioidsHallucinogensMarijuanaAntipsychotic medications, including Clozapine (Clorazil) and Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
What Substances Cause PMA?
There are several substances, both legal and illegal, that can drive PMA. They include:NicotineAlcoholStimulantsDepressantsOpioidsHallucinogensMarijuanaAntipsychotic medications, including Clozapine (Clorazil) and Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
There are several substances, both legal and illegal, that can drive PMA. They include:
How Is Psychomotor Agitation Diagnosed?
Diagnosing PMA involves several steps. The first is ensuring the person suspected of having PMA is safe from harming themselves or others. Since the condition can cause a person to self-harm or attempt suicide, this step is important.
Next, a medical provider will evaluate a person to determine risk factors and symptoms. Many rating scales have been developed that can be used to determine if a person has PMA or not. Each observatory scale is performed over minutes, hours, or even days, and the checklists have items that focus on:
The rating scales that can be used to diagnose PMA include:
The tests used most often are the PANSS-EC, CGI-A, and the BARS. They are used together to determine several levels of behavior and symptoms of PMA in people with signs of the disorder.
Along with the diagnostic tests above, medical testing may also be done. It can involve:
A toxicology test to check for any substances will be performed, alongside other tests if necessary, such as an X-ray, alumbar puncture (spinal tap), or anelectrocardiogram, which measures heartactivity.
Finding the Root CauseSince there are so many possible causes of PMA, the diagnostic process can be lengthy. Medical providers want to reach a verdict quickly, but they also need to be correct so that proper treatment can begin. Therapies for psychological disorders differ from those used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is imperative to effective treatment.
Finding the Root Cause
Since there are so many possible causes of PMA, the diagnostic process can be lengthy. Medical providers want to reach a verdict quickly, but they also need to be correct so that proper treatment can begin. Therapies for psychological disorders differ from those used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is imperative to effective treatment.
How Is Psychomotor Agitation Treated?
Treatment and management of PMA revolve around the severity of the disorder. In emergency settings, medical providers aim to implement certain behavioral control strategies to help those with PMA during an episode that may result in violent or hostile behaviors. Control strategies include:
For long-term management, the underlying cause must be addressed.
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Mood Disorders
If a mood disorder is causing PMA, medications to treat it will be taken. Some effective pharmacological )drug) options include:
Those with substance use disorder will be treated for that first, which may clear up the symptoms of PMA. Someone with a TBI will have to rest and heal for their symptoms to disappear.
Mood Disorders, PMA, and Lifestyle InterventionsAlong with medication, lifestyle interventions may also take place to help encourage recovery from PMA, including:Cognitive therapyExercise plans that include yogaMeditation practicesBreathing exercisesMusic therapyAvoiding emotional triggers
Mood Disorders, PMA, and Lifestyle Interventions
Along with medication, lifestyle interventions may also take place to help encourage recovery from PMA, including:Cognitive therapyExercise plans that include yogaMeditation practicesBreathing exercisesMusic therapyAvoiding emotional triggers
Along with medication, lifestyle interventions may also take place to help encourage recovery from PMA, including:
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neurodegenerative diseasesare progressive and worsen over time. Because of that, treatment is designed to slow down the disease and improve symptoms. For people with PMA and neurodegenerative disease, treatment may involve dopamine precursors such as Sinemet (levodopa) and dopamine agonists such as Mirapex (pramipexole).
Is PMA Permanent?
Neurological Diseases
Summary
PMA is a disorder that involves involuntary movement or behaviors. It is typically seen in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but can also occur because of neurodegenerative diseases, other mood disorders, and traumatic brain injurues. A person with PMA can experience a wide array of symptoms, including hallucinations, hostility and violent speech or behavior, and suicidal ideation.
The diagnostic process for PMA is lengthy because the disorder can develop in the presence of many different health disorders. Getting an accurate diagnosis is imperative to proper treatment because each disorder that can cause PMA may need unique treatment. Once treatment has begun, the symptoms may subside, but depending on the cause, PMA may be permanent and strictly managed with effective therapies.
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5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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