Table 1.

Signs and symptoms of psychomotor agitation [2]

Type	Signs and Symptoms
Changes in behaviour	• Combative attitude • Inappropriate behaviour without clear purpose • Hyperreactivity to stimuli • Inability to remain quiet, seated or calm • Exaggerated gesticulation • Facial tension and angry expression • Defiant and/or prolonged visual contact • Raised tone of voice, silence or refusal to communicate • Altered emotional state with appearance of anxiety, irritability or hostility • Verbal and/or physical aggression against self or others or objects
Cognitive changes	• Fluctuations in the levels of consciousness • Temporo-spatial disorientations • Tendency to frustration • Difficulty in anticipating consequences • Delusional ideas and/or hallucinations
Change in physical parameters	• Fever • Tachycardia • Tachypnoea • Sweating • Tremor • Neurological signs such as difficulty walking