Citation

Gross EJ, Hull HG, Lytton GJ, Hill JA, Piersel WC. Am. J. Ment. Retard. 1993; 98(1): 156-164.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, American Association on Mental Retardation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8103997

Abstract

Neuroleptic-induced akathisia is a relatively common side effect of neuroleptic medication, characterized by a subjective sense of restlessness and the inability to sit still. It has been associated with aggression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and suicide among patients who have mental illness. These side effects are fairly well-researched in the psychiatric literature but rarely addressed in the mental retardation literature. The prevalence, types of akathisia, differential diagnosis, and treatment were reviewed and a relevant case report presented. The importance of the diagnosis and treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia in individuals with mental retardation was discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Akathisia, Drug-Induced; Antipsychotic Agents; Chlorpromazine; Clorazepate Dipotassium; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Lorazepam; Prevalence