Abstract
Introduction: Akathisia is a common and severely disabling medication-induced movement disorder. The condition is often missed, and patients suffer for a long time until diagnosed and managed properly. It is important to bring awareness to the clinicians for early detection and management of akathisia. Methods: We reviewed a 4-year record of patients seen at a comprehensive cancer center for anxiety and restlessness. Patients diagnosed with akathisia and the medications causing akathisia were identified. Management of akathisia is discussed. Results: The results showed that 4.7% of patients developed akathisia while taking antiemetic agents to control chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting. Early detection and management of akathisia resulted in quick recovery and reduced patients' suffering. Conclusion: Akathisia is an unpleasant feeling of motor restlessness with anxiety. Clinicians need to have a full understanding to identify the subtle difference between functional anxiety and akathisia.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1338-1340 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Psycho-oncology |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2018 |
Keywords
- akathisia
- antiemetic drugs
- anxiety
- cancer patients
- chemotherapy
- movement disorder
- oncology setting
- restlessness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Oncology
- Psychiatry and Mental health