Agitation is an acute behavioral emergency requiring immediate intervention. In this simulation, Scott Zeller, M.D. demonstrates verbal deescalation. Deescalation is highly effective and has been identified as the preferred intervention in calming a person experiencing agitation. This technique is also key to avoiding seclusion and restraint, which can be traumatizing to both patients and staff. The goal in verbal deescalation is to help the person regain control so that he or she can better communicate needs with health care providers.

Production of the DBSA Understanding Agitation video series was supported by a contribution from Teva.