Posttraumatic agitation

1. How long does posttraumatic agitation usually last?
2. What are environmental interventions that can be used to treat agitation?
3. What medications are used to treat agitation?

Answers:
1. 1-4 weeks, usually self-limited.
2. Reduce level of stimulation (quiet room, no noxious stimuli, limited visitors), protect patient and others (Craig (padded) bed, sitter, locked ward, mitts, helmet), reduce cognitive confusion (simple communication, familiar staff members), tolerate restlessness if possible (reduce physical restraints, floor bed, allow patient to pace or be verbally inappropriate).
3. Carbamazepine, TCAs, trazodone, beta-blockers, SSRIs, valproic acid, lithium, amantadine, buspirone, atypical antipsychotics. Avoid haloperidol, which decreases recovery of injured brain.