Introduction:

Worldwide, consultations related to mental health problems in children and adolescents have increased in recent years. Among these, psychomotor agitation (PMA) is one of the main reasons for hospitalization.

Objective:

To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic approach in children and adolescents hospitalized for PMA at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital between June 2023 and May 2024.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study using medical records. All children under 15 years of age hospitalized for PMA were included.

Results:

91 cases were recorded (60.4% male, 73.6% between 10 and 15 years old). 94.5% had a history of relevant comorbidity: organic pathologies 50.0% (epilepsy 30.2%) and previously diagnosed underlying psychopathology 86.0% (behavioral disorders 79.7%). 82.4% had a history of previous episodes of behavioral psychomotor agitation (BPMA). Characterization of the BPMA episodes: duration less than 24 hours 79.1%, hetero-aggressive type 49.4%; main triggers: arguments with family members 40.6% and with teachers 13.2%. In 39.6% of cases, only non-pharmacological measures were used; 35.2% required medication and 14.3% required mechanical restraint. 12.1% required transfer to a specialized clinic; 28.6% were readmitted for a new episode of BPMA during the study period.

Conclusions:

Male adolescents with a history of psychiatric illness were the most frequently hospitalized for psychomotor agitation. Most of these episodes were brief and directed toward others. A stepwise therapeutic approach was implemented, with verbal de-escalation being the predominant method. A significant percentage were readmitted during the study period.

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