Search results
Jan 1, 2014 · 2. Rocking Back and Forth. As I have written here and elsewhere, repetitive behaviors are soothing or pacifying and help us deal with stress. From foot bouncing to finger strumming to twirling ...
- Yes, You Can Stop Thinking About It
In one study, tennis players who were plagued by pre-match...
- Yes, You Can Stop Thinking About It
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes
- In bipolar disorder
- Management
- Outlook
Psychomotor agitation is a feeling of anxious restlessness that can lead to unintended movements. A person may experience muscle tension, an increase in heartbeat, or physical tremors. They may also tap their fingers, speak faster, or be unable to sit still.
Psychomotor agitation often affects people with bipolar disorder, but it is also associated with other conditions that affect mental health or neurological function. It is a physical expression of anxiety and mental tension.
Psychomotor agitation can be distressing for people who experience it and may also cause concern to others around them.
The condition can cause behavioral, physical, and mental symptoms, including:
•sudden, unexplainable movements
•inability to sit still
•muscle tension
•hyperactivity to stimulus
Associated conditions
Psychomotor agitation has associations with the following mental health conditions: •bipolar disorder •post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) •panic attacks •generalized anxiety disorder •depression •schizophrenia •alcohol withdrawal •claustrophobia •Parkinson’s disease •dementia
Psychomotor agitation is particularly prevalent among people with bipolar disorder. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder can experience three different episodes called manic, mixed, and depressive.
Psychomotor agitation is a symptom of all three types of episode. However, the nature of psychomotor agitation can change, depending on which type is occurring:
•Manic episode: Alongside psychomotor agitation, a person may experience racing thoughts. Feeling overwhelmed by these can cause people to move without meaning to and to talk rapidly. Movements resulting from psychomotor agitation in a manic episode may appear chaotic.
•Mixed affective episode: This is a particularly vulnerable state when a person experiences a mixture of depressive and manic symptoms. As well as feeling very low, they may feel agitated and irritable.
•Depressive episode: In a depressive episode, people may feel extremely low, hopeless, and tearful. They may make some movements that are signs of psychomotor agitation.
Learn more about bipolar disorder here.
If a person is experiencing psychomotor agitation or knows someone who is, they should speak with a doctor. A doctor can determine the cause of psychomotor agitation and advise how to manage it.
This may include changes to medication programs or psychotherapy and drug treatments to treat underlying mental health conditions.
Management plans can include:
•treating the underlying cause of psychomotor agitation
•learning de-escalation and coping strategies
•minimizing stressful stimuli
Psychomotor agitation can often cause distress. However, a person can manage it with the right treatment.
Seeking treatment for psychomotor agitation can help a person identify and manage conditions or environmental factors that may contribute to their agitation.
- Lana Burgess
Jun 30, 2012 · Use your neck to hold your head straight helps to keep your eyes in front of you rather than staring at the floor or ceiling (which are bad body language signals), and you'll look poised and self ...
Psychomotor agitation is a common symptom of bipolar depression. It mostly occurs during manic episodes, but it’s also seen during depressive episodes. It’s often linked with other noneuphoric ...
Nov 28, 2023 · Repetitive tapping is not an uncommon experience for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other related conditions. But that’s not always the case—it can occur in people without a particular mental health condition, as well. Many of us engage in some kind of repetitive behavior, whether it’s jiggling our legs up and down ...
Oct 23, 2023 · As a follow-up, ask what the client would like to say to their mom. Tap out these responses on one acupoint each: “You make me feel bad about myself. Stop doing that.” “I like the way I look.” “Keep your opinions to yourself.” Self-rate the level of distress. Continue until distress decreases to a 0 or 1.
People also ask
Is tapping a sign of a mental health condition?
What does a tapping habit mean?
What does tapping feel like?
Can a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder have repetitive tapping?
Why do people tap their fingers together?
What is a tapping compulsion?
Sep 20, 2022 · Unless that is your intention, keep your hands down and palms open. This is a better way to keep the situation calm and the conversation flowing. 5. Tilting One’s Head. When someone tilts their head, people can take that body language to mean they are confused. This is not always the case.
