Diagnosing And Treating Akathisia
Akathisia is a disorder where the patient feels compelled to move at all times. The need is especially urgent in their legs. Individuals who have this condition basically can’t sit still, and this inability gives the illness its name. Patients tap and stomp their feet, fidget, cross, uncross and shuffle their legs, or pace the floor. In many cases, the movement only stops when the patient’s legs or feet are too tired to move. But even when the individual rests, they still feel the compulsion to keep moving. Other akathisia patients feel as if they are going to jump out of their skin or suffer from bouts of panic. Akathisia is often a side effect of medication taken for conditions such as schizophrenia, especially older antipsychotics. Doctors treat akathisia in the following ways.