Measuring neuroleptic-induced akathisia by three-channel actometry

Three-channel actometry was used to study neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NI A), a common and often serious disorder in association of traditional neuro leptic therapy. The aim was to explore the diagnostic possibilities of acto metry in NIA and to examine in detail the motor phenomenology of the disord er in detail. The actometers were attached to the ankles and waists of ten patients, suffering from NIA, and to ten matched healthy controls. Five of the patients were changed to olanzapine treatment, and these patients were re-examined during the no-NIA condition. NIA was associated with manyfold movement activity during controlled rest ( sitting) but not with increased daily overall motor activity. Movement freq uencies in NIA seemed to be pathognomonic. Actometry is promising for inves tigation and clinical assessment of NIA. Olanzapine proved to be an adequat e treatment choice for NIA patients. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.