b'Chapter hapterCausesA patient may present with abnormal behaviour including agitation, aggression andabnormal thinking. Behavioural disturbances can range from mild to life threatening.Professional healthcare assessment is recommended to determine the most likely causeand to help guide appropriate treatment.Severe behavioural disturbance can place the first aider or the at immediate risk of seriousharm and may include threatening / aggressive behaviour, extreme distress and potentially serious self-harm, major injury or death.Causes Agitation and behavioural disturbance may or may not be related to mental health or other illness.Head injury, hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood).Infection (meningitis), seizures,Metabolic derangements (low blood sugar, electrolyte disturbance, organ failure (liver / kidney).Dementia, delirium (intoxication, sleep deprivation, incoherence), illusions (misinterpreted perception).Intoxication / withdrawal (alcohol, hallucinogens, stimulants (eg amphetamines,cocaine), cannabis, synthetics, opioids, sedatives.Mental health conditions (psychotic disorders -schizophrenia, anxietyand personality disorders.Developmental disorders (intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, grief, stress and painThese causes may be applicable to the patient and / or bystanders (including family, friend, partner, family member). First Aid management of agitation / behavioural disturbance may apply to one or several people at the same time.The Agitated Patient 261'