[Akathisia. A frequent adverse effect in treatment with neuroleptics]

Neuroleptics are employed in the treatment of psychotic states but also in the treatment of anxiety states, as anti-emetics, in the treatment of pain and for anaesthesia. In approximately 20% of the patients, side effect in the form of akathisia are observed. Akathisia caused by neuroleptics may be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are non-specific with anxiety, restlessness and agitation. Treatment consisted previously of anticholinergics but investigations have been published which demonstrate good effects of non-specifically acting beta-receptor blocking agents. On the basis of a review of the literature, the development of akathisia caused by neuroleptics is described, the symptoms and differential diagnoses involved and the therapeutic possibilities, are described.