5.0 Conclusion: Integrating Diagnosis and Management for Optimal Outcomes

Agitation is a complex clinical syndrome, not merely a behavioral issue, but a critical diagnostic signpost. It represents a final common pathway for a host of underlying disturbances that demand careful clinical investigation.

This monograph has reinforced the core message that a systematic differential diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective care. The clinician’s primary task is to look beyond the agitated behavior and carefully distinguish between psychiatric, neurological, and substance-related etiologies. Only by identifying the root cause can a targeted and effective treatment plan be developed.

Ultimately, the goal of management extends far beyond controlling a single acute episode. It is about leveraging that clinical encounter to accurately diagnose and treat the underlying condition, thereby preventing recurrence, ensuring patient safety, and improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life.