A rating scale for drug-induced akathisia

Br J Psychiatry. 1989 May:154:672-6. doi: 10.1192/bjp.154.5.672.

Abstract

A rating scale for drug-induced akathisia has been derived that incorporates diagnostic criteria for pseudoakathisia, and mild, moderate, and severe akathisia. It comprises items for rating the observable, restless movements which characterise the condition, the subjective awareness of restlessness, and any distress associated with the akathisia. In addition, there is an item for rating global severity. A standard examination procedure is recommended. The inter-rater reliability for the scale items (Cohen's kappa) ranged from 0.738 to 0.955. Akathisia was found in eight of 42 schizophrenic in-patients, and nine had pseudoakathisia, where the typical sense of inner restlessness was not reported.

MeSH terms

  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neurologic Examination*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents