Restlessness

A state of psychomotor and mental unease characterized by inability to relax or remain still, often accompanied by nonpurposeful, repetitive motor activity and a subjective feeling of inner tension.

Causes

• Psychiatric causes

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Insomnia

  • Agitated depression

  • Acute psychological stress

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Delirium

  • Dementia

• Neurological and medical causes

  • Pain

  • Restless legs syndrome

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Hormonal fluctuations

• Medication-related causes

  • Antidepressants

  • Antiemetics

  • Antipsychotics (especially akathisia-inducing agents)

• Substance-related causes

  • Caffeine withdrawal

  • Alcohol withdrawal

  • Nicotine withdrawal