Polysomnographic characteristics of neuroleptic-induced akathisia.
To investigate nocturnal leg movement activity and other polysomnographic features in patients with neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA), all-night polysomnography was performed in nine patients with NIA and compared with nine healthy individuals and eight unmedicated patients with depression. Patients with NIA displayed a pattern of leg movement activity during sleep similar to healthy individuals and depressed patients. In addition, eight of nine patients with NIA exhibited 10- to 40-second bursts of increased leg muscle tone before sleep onset. Although the significance of this finding is unclear, it is possible that it may be a pathophysiological correlate of NIA.
Clinical Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts 02178.
J F
JF
Lipinski
J I
JI
Hudson
S L
SL
Cunningham
H G
HG
Aizley
P E
PE
Keck
G
G
Mallya
R B
RB
Aranow
S E
SE
Lukas
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents