Is pacing a sign of anxiety

Psychomotor Agitation: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — By Annamarya Scaccia — Updated on April 25, 2017

Overview

Psychomotor agitation is a symptom related to a wide range of mood disorders. People with this condition engage in movements that serve no purpose. Examples include pacing around the room, tapping your toes, or rapid talking.

Psychomotor agitation often occurs with mania or anxiety. It’s seen most often in people with bipolar disorder. Psychomotor agitation can be caused by other conditions, too, such as posttraumatic stress disorder or depression.

People with psychomotor agitation can’t stay still or remain calm. They use movement to release tension and anxiety. If you have psychomotor agitation, you may regularly fidget, move fast, or move with no reason or purpose.

The most common signs of psychomotor agitation include:

emotional distress
restlessness
tapping
starting and ending tasks abruptly
fidgeting
pacing
hand-wringing
fast talking
racing thoughts
crowded thoughts
moving objects for no reason

People who have psychomotor agitation will display a set of behaviors, including:

pacing back and forth in a room
taking off clothing, then putting it back on
twisting their hands
tapping their feet on the floor
tapping their fingers on any surface
picking up and moving objects around the room for no reason

In severe cases, psychomotor agitation can lead to self-inflicted harm. People may rip, chew, or pull at the skin near their lips, fingernails, or other body parts until they bleed.

Psychomotor agitation is often seen in people with bipolar disorder. It’s also less commonly seen in people with other conditions, including:

panic attacks
anxiety disorder
depression
posttraumatic stress disorder
traumatic brain injury (TBI)
claustrophobia
Parkinson’s disease
alcohol withdrawal
drug overdose or withdrawal
dementia
schizophrenia
severe major depressive disorder
effects of certain antipsychotic medications
substance abuse

Researchers have also found a link between akathisia and psychomotor agitation in people with TBI. Akathisia is a movement disorder marked by restlessness.

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 hypomanic symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Signs of noneuphoric hypomania include:

crying
trouble sleeping
racing thoughts
trouble making decisions
confusion
false belief someone is out to harm you
inflated feelings of self-importance
hearing sounds or voices that aren’t there

Psychomotor symptoms differ depending on whether they occur during a manic episode, mixed affective episode (depression and mania), or depressive episode. During a manic episode, a person is more like to move aimlessly. For example, they may pace, wring their hands, or tap their fingers.

During a mixed affective or depressive episode, movements will be used to reduce tension and stress. The person may feel anxious, upset, irritable, and restless.

See your doctor as soon as you first notice signs of psychomotor agitation. Your doctor will be able to determine if your symptoms are caused by bipolar disorder or another mental health condition. They will also help you decide on the best treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.

You should also see your doctor if you notice changes in your psychomotor agitation symptoms. Changes in motor activity may indicate changes or progression of the underlying cause of the condition.

Your doctor will ask you questions and review your medical history. They will also run some tests and perform a physical exam. Your test results will be used to rule out causes of psychomotor agitation.

Once you receive a diagnosis, you and your doctor can work out a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. For example, if your doctor finds that antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills are causing psychomotor agitation, they may switch your medication.

If psychomotor agitation is related to manic or depressive episodes, your doctor may prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs. A 2013 study found that the anti-anxiety drug class benzodiazepines can help treat types of psychosis-induced agitation.

You may be able to manage psychomotor agitation using relaxations techniques that help people with anxiety. Try these:

See a talk therapist once or twice per week.
Practice yoga and meditation often.
Exercise most days.
Use deep breathing exercises.

Learn more: Alternative treatments for anxiety »

You should use these techniques in addition to medication or other treatments recommended by your doctor. It may be difficult to manage psychomotor agitation with relaxation techniques alone.

Psychomotor agitation can be managed with the right treatment. It’s important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms. Sharing what you experience with your doctor can help them make a diagnosis.

Last medically reviewed on April 25, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Benazzi, F. (2002, November 15). Psychomotor changes in melancholic and atypical depression: Unipolar and bipolar-II subtypes [Abstract]. Psychiatry Research, 112(3), 211-20
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FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class. (2020).
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Gillies, D., Sampson, S., Beck, A., & Rathbone, J. (2013, April 30). Benzodiazepines for psychosis-induced aggression or agitation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003079.pub3/abstract
Koenig, A. M., Arnold, S. E., & Streim, J. E. (2016, January). Agitation and irritability in Alzheimer’s disease: Evidenced-based treatments and the black-box warning [Abstract]. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(3)
link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11920-015-0640-7
Leventhal, A. M., & Zimmerman, M. (2010, June). The relative roles of bipolar disorder and psychomotor agitation in substance dependence. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 24(2), 360-365
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Mann, J. J., Brown, R. P., Halper, J. P., Sweeney, J. A., Kocsis, J. H., Stocker, P. E., & Bilezikian, J. P. (1985, September 19). Reduced sensitivity of lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors in patients with endogenous depression and psychomotor agitation [Abstract]. The New England Journal of Medicine, 313, 715-720
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Manzo, C., Gareri, P. & Castagna, A. (2017, March 4). Psychomotor agitation following treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Drug Safety - Case Reports, 4, 6
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Narita, Z., Takano, H., & Sumiyoshi, T. (2017, March 13). Successful treatment for psychomotor agitation in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with trazodone-risperidone combination: A case report. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2017(13), 775-777
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Piguet C., Dayer, A., Kosel, M. Desseillies, M., Vullieumier, P., & Bertschy, G. (2010, March). Phenomenology of racing and crowded thoughts in mood disorders: A theoretical reappraisal [Abstract]. Journal of Affective Disorders, 121(3), 189-198
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Piguet, C., Desseilles, M., Cojan, Y., Sterpenich, V., Dayer, A., Bertschy, G., & Vuilleumier, P. (2014, November 17). Neural correlates of generation and inhibition of verbal association patterns in mood disorders. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 10(7), 978–986.
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Snyderman, D. & Rovner, B. (2009, October 15). Mental status exam in primary care: A review [Abstract]. American Family Physician, 80(8), 809-814
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Wielenga-Boiten, J. E. & Ribbers, G. M. (2012, November 9). Akathisia—rare cause of psychomotor agitation in patients with traumatic brain injury: Case report and review of literature. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 49(9), 1349-1354
dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.10.0202

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 26, 2017

Written By

Annamarya Scaccia

Edited By

Yvette Brazier

Apr 25, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

Elaine K. Luo, MD

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Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — By Annamarya Scaccia — Updated on April 25, 2017

What is it, symptoms, and causes

Psychomotor agitation: What is it, symptoms, and causes

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Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Lana Burgess — Updated on March 9, 2022

Psychomotor agitation is a feeling of anxious restlessness that causes a person to make movements without meaning to.

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.

This article explores the ways of feeling, moving, and behaving that could be symptoms of psychomotor agitation. It also looks at what mood disorders are associated with psychomotor agitation.

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
physical tremors
inability to relieve tension
sudden weakness
anxiety
frustration
sweating
disorientation
tachycardia
dyspnea

This anxious tension may lead a person to:

pace around a room
wring their hands
tap their fingers
tap their feet
fidget
start and stop tasks abruptly
talk very quickly
move objects around for no reason

People with psychomotor agitation and mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may feel uneasy, nervous, or that there is no hope of controlling their agitations.

Someone experiencing psychomotor agitation may display these behaviors in a way that seems uncontrolled or erratic. This can often place them and others around them at risk of physical harm.

People with severe psychomotor agitation may:

bite their lips until they bleed
pull skin off from around their lips
pull skin off from around their nails
chew the inside of their cheek

Typically, psychomotor agitation will not have a single cause. A person may experience the condition due to a combination of psychological and environmental factors, including stress, trauma, and substance withdrawal.

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
managing drug and alcohol withdrawal, if relevant
medications such as antipsychotics, benzodiazepines

Learn about the treatments for bipolar disorder here.

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.

Starting treatment early for psychomotor agitation can help reduce its impact and associated conditions on someone’s life.

Last medically reviewed on March 9, 2022

Bipolar
Mental Health
Anxiety / Stress

How we reviewed this article:

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Benzodiazepine drug information. (2020).
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/benzodiazepine-drug-information
Pompili, M. , et al. (2021). The management of psychomotor agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: A brief review.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8074323/
San, L., et al. (2016). State of acute agitation at psychiatric emergencies in Europe: The STAGE study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5084082/
Vieta, E., et al. (2017). Protocol for the management of psychiatric patients with psychomotor agitation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5591519/

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Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Lana Burgess — Updated on March 9, 2022

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Why do dogs imitate sexual behavior?

Most owners are not surprised when their dog climbs on top of another dog, a pillow, or wraps around a stranger's leg. But you might be wondering why females show this behavior too? This is especially true for those who were sterilized as a puppy.

Harmless imitation of sexual behavior by males and females is normal in all dog breeds, but it is important to know when this needs to be corrected.

What is normal behavior?

Whatever you call it - imitation of sexual behavior or mating - it is natural for males and females. Some dogs behave this way because they are excited. For others, this may be an attempt to establish their dominant position and show who is in charge in the house.

Such behavior towards other pets, people or even the sofa in the living room once or twice a day is not considered excessive. But if you or your family members are concerned about your dog's behavior, there are a few things you can do to correct the situation or eliminate it altogether. nine0003

How can I prevent sexual imitation?

Pet owners often notice that their dog begins to imitate sexual behavior when they are in their first estrus. Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering the dog before this point to eliminate this unwanted behavior. Neutering can also help prevent unexpected litters of puppies and reduce your pet's risk of developing testicular or breast cancer. But even spayed and neutered dogs can mimic mating from time to time. nine0003

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recommends teaching dogs the "no" command ahead of time so they don't touch prohibited items. Once your dog has learned this command, you can warn him to move away from furniture, other dogs, or guests. If you see her getting ready to climb onto an object (rubbing, licking it, whining plaintively), you can give the “no” command and distract your four-legged friend with a toy or more interesting activity. Although this command may take some time to learn, it is the easiest way to prevent unwanted behavior. nine0003

When should I be concerned about a dog imitating sexual behavior?

Although this behavior is normal, it can sometimes indicate serious problems. Carefully observe the dog: what actions it performs before it starts rubbing against the object and during this process. This way you can determine if you have cause for concern.

Is imitation a sign of boredom? If your dog is lying on the floor or pacing around the room and then seems to start rubbing against things, he may just be bored and want to play. nine0028
Maybe your dog is trying to get rid of the itch? Sexual imitation and excessive genital licking can be a sign that your dog has a health problem, such as skin allergies or a urinary tract infection. If you notice that this behavior is accompanied by the dog licking the back of the body, urinating frequently, having trouble urinating, or showing signs of dehydration, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as recommended by the ASPCA. nine0028
Is your dog stressed? According to the ASPCA, males and females may mimic sexual behavior to relieve stress. Do you have a new pet in the house or a new baby? Or have you recently changed your work schedule? Sometimes small changes in your pet's daily routine can cause stress. Every dog reacts to stressful situations differently. Try to figure out what might be causing her anxiety and do your best to get her into the new routine. If stress-induced sexual behavior continues for too long, it can become a habit that is extremely difficult to break, and you may need to resort to professional training. nine0028

Behavior become just a bad habit? If you've ruled out all other causes and can't wean your dog from the unwanted behavior, it might be time to start training it. You may need to try new methods, such as group socializing sessions, individual training with a professional dog handler, or even time outs. If you and your veterinarian have ruled out a medical reason for the simulation, heed your doctor's advice on how best to proceed. nine0028

Why do dogs imitate sexual behavior? There are many reasons! We hope that now that you have received several answers to this question, your dog will show less "obscene" behavior and you will have more joyful moments with him.

Author

Chrissy Klinger

The child walks in his sleep - why does the child crawl in his sleep at night on the bed

21.09.0003

6–9 months 9–18 months 1.5–3 years

Author of the article

Tatyana Chkhikvishvili

Head of online programs, psychologist, consultant on sleep and breastfeeding

Mother of two children tells about the reasons why the baby crawls in a dream, what causes sleepwalking, and what parents should do in such situations so that the baby’s sleep does not worsen.

Calendar of child crises

Leaps of development

The first year of a baby's life is a time of incredibly rapid change. The baby is going through one developmental leap after another - and often this takes the form of crises. But the child develops not only intellectually - his physical development is also very rapid. He learns to sit down, crawl, stand up, move on two straight legs! - new skills affect the nervous system of the baby, excite and may even frighten him. This in itself can affect how well he sleeps.

Often during such periods, the baby's sleep worsens, becomes more sensitive and restless, he wakes up more often and sleeps less. The child sits up in a dream, then wakes up and begins to cry, because he still does not know how to lie down from such a position. Gradually, he gets used to new opportunities, calms down, begins to sleep normally. nine0003

Practice around the clock

Until the child gets used to his new skills, he constantly trains them. Sometimes at the wrong time for such training. Including night. Between cycles and sometimes phases of sleep, the child has brief awakenings. They are needed to control the situation and one's condition, and are also due to the large proportion of the REM phase necessary for brain growth.

In moments of such awakenings, the baby may begin to practice a new skill. He instantly sits up, begins to crawl or jumps up in bed. After that, he finally wakes up and cries, not understanding what happened, why he does not lie. And where is mom anyway? nine0003

What to do?

Practice as many new skills as you can while you are awake so that they quickly become habitual and stop being so exciting to your baby. Stretch out your arms to encourage your child to sit up. Let him crawl freely on the floor, creating a safe environment. Show him how to get up and walk on his own with the help of a support, such as a sofa or table.
It is important to teach your baby to lie down from new positions. Often he can already sit down or stand up, but still does not understand how to return back to the lying position - and begins to cry. Show how to lie down from a sitting and standing position, train during active wakefulness. nine0028
Remember - this is temporary, soon your child will get used to new skills and calm down. Babies get used to their new abilities from 3-5 days to 2-6 weeks.

Constant sleepwalking

If you notice that your child sleepwalks regularly and talks without waking up, this may be a symptom of sleepwalking (somnambulism). Don't be afraid.

It is believed that somnambulism occurs in approximately 2.5% of people. In a systematic form among children - in 1-5%. One-time cases of walking in a dream in childhood were noted in about 30% of people. This happens more often with boys. nine0003

Sleepwalking usually resolves by age 15. Only about 1% of people continue to sleepwalk as adults. Most often, sleepwalking first appears at the age of 3-4 years. And the peak of somnambulism in children falls on the age of 5-10 years.

The sleepwalker often looks like he is awake. Right during a very deep sleep, the child suddenly gets up and goes somewhere. He can say something, go to the toilet, and not even always where it needs to be done. After that, he can fall asleep somewhere in an unusual place or return to his bed and go to bed again as if nothing had happened. In the morning he does not remember at all what he did at night. nine0003

Causes of sleepwalking in children

Somnambulism occurs due to the fact that the process of inhibition of the central nervous system during deep sleep does not affect the areas of the brain responsible for the coordination of movement. If inhibition sit on the bed or say something.

Sleepwalking should not always be regarded as a sign of illness. So far, scientists are not completely sure what exactly is the cause of somnambulism. But it is believed that the factors influencing the appearance of sleepwalking are the immaturity of the nervous system, periods of developmental leaps, a state of tension, anxiety, stress. It has been proven that somnambulism is influenced by heredity. But it can also be associated with congenital pathologies, epilepsy, chronic diseases, craniocerebral injuries, neuroinfections, poisoning with worm poisons. nine0003

You have a little somnambulist in your house: what to do

If your child has regular sleepwalking, a doctor should be consulted.
Supervise the child during sleepwalking to protect him from injury. Make sure that he cannot leave the apartment, block access to the window. It is better to put locking devices on the windows so that the child cannot open them himself. Remove fragile, cutting, piercing, flammable objects from free access.
Gently hug and guide your baby to bed. In extreme cases, you can wake up, but you need to do this very gently, in an affectionate calm voice. nine0028
A psychologist or psychotherapist can help. As a rule, sedatives are prescribed for treatment. Sometimes there is a need for medical treatment.
Minimize conflicts in the family and the burden on the child. Do not allow evening scandals, overexcitation of the child by the end of the day (including positive emotions). Maintain a trusting relationship with your child so that in the evening in bed he can share with you his experiences and impressions of the day. nine0028
You can use soothing teas, herbs, aromatic oils.
Pay attention to whether bathing before bedtime relaxes or excites your baby. If it turns you on, you should take a bath early so that you have enough time to completely calm down before going to bed.

Why sleepwalking is dangerous

Somnambulism is not a disease or a dangerous condition and does not require special treatment. In itself, walking at night without waking up is dangerous only with possible injuries. Remember the precautions. If you are not at home overnight and are not sure about the complete safety of the space, you can put wet towels on the floor near the bed. A child who has begun to walk in the middle of the night will wake up from an unusual sensation of moisture and lie back down or call you for help. nine0003

There are dangerous diseases in which sleepwalking can act as one of the symptoms. It is primarily about epilepsy. In this case, the patient in the waking state has convulsions, and in the "off state" the child walks and often seems to be swallowing something. In addition to epilepsy, sleepwalking can accompany some mental disorders, such as neurosis (85% of all sleepwalkers) and hysteria. In addition to restless nights, neurotics are distinguished by increased impressionability, excitability, tearfulness, fatigue, and complaints of headaches. In these cases, it is necessary to treat, of course, the root cause. nine0003

When to worry

You should consult a neurologist if:

sleepwalking has its own fixed clock time;
during episodes of somnambulism, the child behaves aggressively;
episodes last longer than 15 minutes;
there are other problems: stuttering, enuresis, frequent nightmares, tossing about in bed, oddities in daytime behavior.
Learn more

Is pacing a sign of anxiety

Psychomotor Agitation: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

What is it, symptoms, and causes

Associated conditions

How we reviewed this article:

Related Coverage

Why do dogs imitate sexual behavior?

What is normal behavior?

How can I prevent sexual imitation?

When should I be concerned about a dog imitating sexual behavior?

Author

The child walks in his sleep - why does the child crawl in his sleep at night on the bed

Leaps of development

Practice around the clock

What to do?

Constant sleepwalking

Causes of sleepwalking in children

You have a little somnambulist in your house: what to do

Why sleepwalking is dangerous

When to worry