Behavioral toxicity of antipsychotic drugs

J Clin Psychiatry. 1987 Sep:48 Suppl:13-9.

Abstract

Extrapyramidal symptoms cause much misery, often go undiagnosed, and can interfere with treatment and rehabilitation. Akinesia is a behavioral state of diminished motoric and psychic spontaneity that is difficult to distinguish from the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The most useful clinical correlates of akinesia are a subjective sense of sedation and excessive sleeping. Akinesia interferes with social adjustment and may manifest as "postpsychotic depression." The subjective restlessness of akathisia is usually accompanied by telltale foot movements: rocking from foot to foot while standing or walking on the spot. Akathisia is strongly associated with depression and dysphoric responses to neuroleptics and has even been linked to suicidal and homicidal behavior in extreme cases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / chemically induced
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Psychomotor Disorders / chemically induced
  • Psychomotor Disorders / diagnosis

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents