Risk factors for the development of neuroleptic induced akathisia

Neuroleptic induced akathisia (NIA) is a common and distressing side effect of antipsychotic treatment. Incidence rates are reported to be between 25% and 75%, depending on criteria used for diagnosis. The results of our four week prospective naturalistic study are based on the assessment of 73 inpatients, which were started on antipsychotic medication in one of the inpatient units of the Department of Psychiatry. NIA was rated with the Hillside Akathisia Scale. Assuming that both, objective as well subjective phenomena are necessary for a valid diagnosis of NIA, we calculated an incidence rate of 22.4%. 75% of all NIA cases occurred within the first three days of antipsychotic treatment. When attempting to determine risk factors for the development of NIA, we found a significant influence of dose increase in the first days of treatment.