This program discusses the need to quickly and accurately recognize the signs and symptoms of agitation in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and to differentiate agitation from akathisia and other disease therapy-induced symptoms that may mimic it. Agitation can escalate quickly into aggressive and potentially dangerous behavior that puts healthcare personnel (HCP) and families at risk of verbal or bodily harm. Nationally recognized expert consensus best-practice guidelines provide clear direction on how to triage and manage agitation in the emergency room setting, but knowledge and implementation gaps remain. As data emerges for new approaches to treatment, clinicians need to know the novel pharmacological and nonpharmacological options to care for agitation in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This program focuses on the recognition and management of agitation, best practices, and novel treatments. It will distill essential information for everyday clinical practice that offers an alternative to the “sedate and restrain” treatment approaches of the past.
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