Electroconvulsive Therapy and Akathisia: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Case Reports

This review aimed to investigate the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on akathisia. We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase and included case reports on akathisia caused by or treated with ECT. We identified and included 9 articles. Seven articles, representing 10 cases, reported that akathisia improved after ECT. Most cases (7 cases) were diagnosed with a mood disorder, and all 10 cases were treated with antipsychotics. Akathisia was regarded as tardive (3 cases) and severe (4 cases). Although treatments for akathisia, such as adjusting antipsychotics and adding medication for akathisia, were tried before ECT, ultimately none were effective. In all 10 cases, akathisia showed significant improvement after ECT, and nonantipsychotic psychotropics or low-dose antipsychotics were administered as post-ECT treatment. Two articles (5 cases) reported that akathisia occurred after ECT. Three of these cases were diagnosed with a mood disorder, and all 5 cases were treated with perphenazine and tricyclic antidepressants. Akathisia occurred multiple times after ECT, but it was transient. Despite attempts to manage the akathisia, including discontinuation of psychotropics, addition of medication for akathisia, and adjustment of stimulation electrode positions, the outcomes of the interventions were inconsistent. Nonetheless, no persistent akathisia was observed after the end of the ECT course. Although the effects of ECT on akathisia remain unclear because of the paucity of high-quality studies, ECT could be considered particularly for treatment-resistant, tardive, and/or severe akathisia comorbid with mood disorders. Conversely, clinicians should keep in mind that transient akathisia can develop following ECT.