Assessment of disruptive behavior/agitation in the elderly: function, methods, and difficulties.

Disruptive behaviors and agitation affect caregivers, causing depression, burden, and stress that affects caregivers' social life, morale, and somatic health. Agitated behaviors may also signal that the patient is distressed, and because of a combination of agitated behaviors and loss of communication skills, the demented elderly person may not receive adequate assessment or treatment. This paper describes the different methods used to assess behavioral problems, their advantages and limitations, as well as their impact on clinical work and on research. Future directions in the areas of research needs, assessment development, and methodologic implications are also discussed.