While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress. When would agitate be a good substitute for discompose?

Adj. 1. discomposed - having your composure disturbed; "looked about with a wandering and discomposed air" agitated - troubled emotionally and usually deeply; "agitated parents" undignified - lacking dignity