The effect of activation procedures on neuroleptic-induced akathisia

Two studies have been performed to evaluate the effect of activation tasks on neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA). In the first sample (30 patients) we found a consistent increase of symptoms during mental activation while motor activation led to a decrease. In a second study 34 patients with the same diagnosis were evaluated, using slightly different statistical procedures: while the effects of motor activation were corroborated, mental activation did not change NIA. Since mental and motor activation are usually considered to increase tardive dyskinesia and Parkinsonism, these measures might be helpful in differentiating NIA from other antipsychotic-induced movement disorders.