Zur Symptomatologie der Akathisie

Abstract

The phenomenon of akathisia is characterised by a subjective feeling of inner agitation accompanied by general motoric restlessness, which particularly affects the legs. It is mainly the inner agitation from which the patients suffer, but which they often cannot describe in any detail. The psychopathology of akathisia is presented in a case report, the emphasis being on a detailed description of inner agitation. Furthermore, motor, affective and cognitive symptoms of akathisia are pointed out. Finally, differential diagnosis of akathisia and standardised scales for assessment are discussed.

Neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms are accompanied by cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia

“…It is suggested to further explore if the restlessness frequently observed by patients with EPS may partly result from disturbances in concentration, i.e., to direct and maintain an attentional focus. In line with this, Dech and Northoff [10] describe that problems in selective attention are prominent among patients suffering from akathisia. As expected, patients with high EPS complained about having more motor dysfunctions than low EPS patients.…”

Association of subjective cognitive dysfunction with akathisia in patients receiving stable doses of risperidone or haloperidol

“…In addition to such dysphoric affective symptom, various other subjective symptoms have been observed in patients with akathisia. In particular, cognitive dysfunction was reported to be one of the important symptom domains of akathisia (7). Raskin (8) argued that akathisia may arise as cognitive impairment.…”