Definitions for akathisia

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word akathisia


  1. akathisia(Noun)

    a sensation of restlessness characterized by an inability to sit still or remain motionless, often as a side effect of psychiatric medications

  2. Origin: from ancient Greek α (a), [without, not] + κάθισις (káthisis), [sitting]


  1. Akathisia

    Akathisia, or acathisia, is a syndrome characterized by unpleasant sensations of inner restlessness that manifests itself with an inability to sit still or remain motionless. It can be a side effect of medications, or it can, to a lesser extent, be caused by Parkinson's disease and related syndromes, and likely other neurological diseases. However, this may be due more to the drugs used in treatment such as sinemet and less with the Parkinson's disease itself. Another major cause is withdrawal from almost any physical addiction, for example, in benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. It was discovered that akathisia involves increased levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is associated with mechanisms that regulate aggression, alertness, and arousal. Though no further research has been done yet, it may also be involved with disrupted NMDA channels in the brain, which have both synergistic and regulatory effects on norepinephrine.


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