Psychomotor agitation is one of the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder. It causes a person to feel restless and “wound up,” both physically and mentally. People with bipolar disorder typically describe feeling as if their thoughts are racing, and they may become fidgety and unable to control their movements at rest. If you have bipolar disorder, seeking treatment for your mental health issues can help relieve these symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Being aware of the signs of psychomotor agitation will help you understand when it may be time to seek treatment. You may find it hard to sit still, or you may feel like your muscles are stiff. You might also feel like your thoughts are racing without being able to stop or that your speech can’t keep up with how fast your mind is working.
You may have particular habits to help eliminate this extra energy, like tapping your fingers, feet, or fidgeting. These behaviors can be very frustrating because they are often uncontrollable and lack purpose. More severe presentations of these symptoms might include biting your lips until they bleed, chewing the inside of your cheek, or ripping the skin off your lips or nails.
Psychomotor Agitation in Bipolar Disorder
Psychomotor agitation is a common feature in bipolar disorder that plays a factor in manic or mixed episodes. During these states, your mind cycles through dopamine at a higher rate than usual, leading to agitation and excess energy. The uncontrollable, sometimes chaotic, movements are a sign of your mind trying to relieve tension.
Seeking Treatment
As soon as you undergo the uncomfortable movements that psychomotor agitation brings, it is essential to seek a doctor. They can determine what the cause of these movements is. If it is caused by a mental health disorder, medications like mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs can help you. Seeing a therapist can also help you treat your mental health condition. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising, meditation, and deep breathing, can also reduce your anxiety levels.
It is normal to feel frustrated and distressed when experiencing these symptoms, but you will feel much better with the right course of treatment. By letting a doctor see what is causing psychomotor agitation, you can see if there is another underlying cause yet to be diagnosed or treated. Starting treatment early for psychomotor agitation will reduce the impact it has on your life.
Psychomotor agitation can result in involuntary movements as a result of a mental health disorder like bipolar disorder. They can appear during manic and mixed episodes. You may begin to feel frustrated as you lack control. Luckily, there is hope for treatment the earlier you notice these movements. At Alta Loma, we understand what bipolar disorder can do to a person, and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, medication management, life coping skills education, and more. Call us at (866) 457-3843 for more information about our services.
