Akathisia and Bipolar Disorder: Understanding Symptoms & Causes

Akathisia, a troublesome side effect of many medications, is characterized by a feeling of restlessness or inability to sit still. It can range from mild anxiety to an overwhelming feeling of panic and doom.

Causes

• Antipsychotic medications, such as Abilify, Risperdal and Ziprasidone, can result in akathisia. People with bipolar disorder may be prescribed these medications to control their symptoms.

Symptoms

• Additional symptoms of akathisia include insomnia, tension, physical discomfort and excitability. It can also result in an exaggerated emotional response.

Warning

• Since akathisia can be difficult to describe, those with bipolar disorder could be misdiagnosed. If the medication responsible for akathisia is increased in response to a patient's complaint, symptoms could intensify.

Treatment

• Discontinuing or decreasing the dosage of the drug responsible for akathisia may be warranted in some cases. Benzodiazepines and beta blockers can also be effective in alleviating symptoms.

Diagnosis

• The Barnes Akathisia Scale is designed to assess the patient's severity of symptoms. Bipolar patients who suspect akathisia is impacting their quality of life can request this assessment from their psychiatrist or physician.