Agitation is a common and significant problem in the medically ill elderly. It is responsible for diminished quality of life for not only the patient, but the caregivers as well as the patient\'s relatives. This paper will illustrate the concept of agitation and different modes of classification. The major emphasis will be placed on discussing prompt, correct diagnosis of the underlying cause of agitation and effective treatment of both the cause of agitation and the symptoms of agitation itself.

Keywords: elderly, agitation, confusion, mood stabilizer, antipsychotics, antidepressant

West African Journal of Medicine Vol. 24(2) 2005: 171-174