Akathisia is a feeling of "inner restlessness", a constant urge to be moving. It is peculiar in that while one can not keep still, the actual movements are voluntrary (as opposed to other movement disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia). Anti-psychotic drugs often induce akathisia. More rarely, it can be caused by anti-depressants. (See e.g. Dr. Peter Breggin's web page.) It can also occur spontaneously.

I experienced akathisia in late 2002, and I would not wish the experience on anyone, it was several months of pure hell -- and it felt, subjectively, more like a decade. My experience was made much worse because my psychiatrist did not recognize it as akathisia, instead attempting to treat me with benzodiazepines and anti-psychotics. This did not work. (He still doesn't believe me, but all the symptoms fit, and now that I've demonstrated that propranolol/clondidine work for me, he has deigned to humor me.)

How often does this happen? I don't know, but I suspect quite often: akathisia is easy to mistake for anxiety. There may be many suicides, and worse, that could have been prevented by a correct diagnosis.

Once identified, akathisia is straightforward to treat. Drugs such as propranolol and clonidine provide immediate relief. If the akathisia is caused by a medication (eg an anti-psychotic), the dose of the medication is reduced, or a different medication chosen. (Consult your doctor before doing any of these things.)

Barnes's Akathisia Scale seems to be the most widely used tool for measuing akathisia. I had difficulty finding it either on the web or in my university library. Therefore I am posting a copy here.

Note: not to be confused with Restless Legs Syndrome.

[æ]