Akathisia Treatment in Delhi, India

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Overview

Akathisia is derived from the Greek word "akathemi", which means "a condition of never sitting down". Akathisia is a condition where the person feels an intense urge to move, resulting in intense restlessness. The patient feels an undeniable urge to move regularly. It usually appears as a side-effect of taking first-generation antipsychotics.

These drugs have been used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, cases have been recorded where people have also developed this condition after taking newer drugs. It is estimated that around 20-70% of the people who have consumed these medicines have shown akathisia as a side effect, usually in the first few weeks of their treatment.

Types of Akathisia

Akathisia is usually classified as a medicine-induced movement problem. It can be of the following types.

Acute Akathisia - It is an acute form of akathisia. This type of akathisia starts soon after the treatment and lasts for less than 6 months.
Tardive Akathisia - This is a more chronic form of akathisia. It usually develops after months or years of taking medicines.
Chronic Akathisia - It is a longer form of akathisia and lasts for more than six months.

Common Differences Between Akathisia and Tardive Dyskinesia

Confusion may arise between the two types of medication-induced disorders, such as Akathisia and Tardive Dyskinesia. The similarity is that both are usually induced by antipsychotic drugs. However, the difference between the two is that in akathisia individuals are aware and have a certain amount of volition over the urge to move. In tardive dyskinesia, they don't have conscious control or awareness about involuntary movements. Also, in akathisia, the main part affected are the legs, while in tardive dyskinesia, movements appear mainly on the face, neck, and arms.

Akathisia Causes

Akathisia is generally caused due to the side effect of the following medicines-

trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
thiothixene (Navane)
flupenthixol (Fluanxol)
thioridazine (Mellaril)
fluphenazine (Prolixin)
prochlorperazine (Compro, Compazine)
haloperidol (Haldol)
pimozide (Orap)

The exact cause of akathisia is unknown. Theories have been put forward to determine its cause, and it is estimated that akathisia may occur due to the blocking of the receptors for dopamine in the brain by antipsychotics. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps in body movement. Though akathisia is rare with second-generation medicines for psychosis, they still can have akathisia as a side effect.

Apart from the drugs mentioned above, some other drugs and conditions may lead to the appearance of akathisia, such as-

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Calcium channel blockers
Drugs for vomiting
Anti-vertigo drugs
Medications for Parkinson
Brain injury of any kind
Encephalitis (inflammation in the brain)

Akathisia Diagnosis

The diagnosis of akathisia is based on the observation of physical activities of the patient by the doctor during the examination, as well as a subjective sense of inner restlessness conveyed by the patient on questioning and medication history.