The relationship between akathisia and subjective tolerability in patients with schizophrenia.
Akathisia remains a significant issue even in the era of atypical antipsychotics. The purpose of the present study was to examine the association of akathisia with various domains of subjective tolerability in order to contribute to the renewed interest in akathisia and the subjective experience of antipsychotic treatment. Fifty schizophrenic outpatients receiving stable doses of risperidone were evaluated for akathisia, schizophrenic symptoms, and subjective tolerability. Subjective tolerability was comprehensively assessed using the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale. Analysis of covariance revealed that the akathisia group had a significantly higher total score as well as higher subscale scores of extrapyramidal side effect, psychic side effect, and autonomic side effect on the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale. Further analysis using binary logistic regression analysis revealed that these variables were significantly associated with akathisia. The results of our study suggest that akathisia is significantly associated with a wide range of subjective tolerability profiles, implying the necessity to effectively manage akathisia even its mild forms considering its strong association with subjective tolerability in general.
Kim
Jong-Hoon
JH
Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, 1198 Guwol-Dong, Incheon, Korea. jhnp@chol.com
Byun
Hee-Jung
HJ
D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D004361:Drug Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018967:Risperidone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone