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Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Updates in the Assessment and Management of Agitation
Ashley Curry1, Nasuh Malas1, Megan Mroczkowski1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (Curry, Nordstrom); Department of Psychiatry (Malas, Hong) and Department of Pediatrics (Malas), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Mroczkowski); Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (Terrell).
Abstract:
Agitated patients can be dangerous to themselves and others. In fact, severe medical complications and death can occur with severe agitation. Because of this, agitation is considered a medical and psychiatric emergency. Regardless of the treatment setting, identifying the agitated patient early is a necessary skill. The authors review relevant literature regarding the identification and management of agitation and summarize current recommendations for adults, as well as children and adolescents.
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