The problem of tardive akathisia

Akathisia is a disorder characterized by restlessness and dysphoria. Neuroleptic-induced akathisia is one of the acute extrapyramidal reactions caused by neuroleptic drugs, and tardive akathisia (TDAK) is a tardive dyskinesia (TD) variant caused by long-term neuroleptic treatment. Since TDAK is a movement disorder with a psychological dimension, it merits consideration as one of the behavioral variants of TD. TDAK is considered in light of an ongoing, prospective study in mentally retarded people. It is discussed in terms of the "cognitive" functions of the basal ganglia, and the known consequences of other diseases of the basal ganglia that almost invariably cause behavioral and cognitive deterioration.