Posted by ed_uk2010 on November 28, 2013, at 13:04:57
In reply to Re: Akathisia question., posted by g_g_g_unit on November 14, 2013, at 7:25:19
> When I experience akathisia, the anticipation of any kind of activity which would involve sitting still and concentrating (watching TV, writing an e-mail etc.) induces unspeakable dread. It's also accompanied by dysphoria and an inability to enjoy any kind of stimuli. My sole aim becomes to end the sensation as soon as possible.
>
> At its worst, I'll lie in bed writhing and squeezing a pillow for hours on end.
>That was a very good description. And like you say, with severe akathisia you may not be pacing at all. It's gone beyond that. There is literally no relief. Extreme discomfort in every position.
Intense anxiety can be similar, but akathisia has a stronger muscle-related element, and a less definable psychological element eg. in severe anxiety, it is normally possible to remain still briefly, whereas in akathisia, your muscles feel like they could literally explode. Anxiety is also more 'explainable' eg. I feared than I was dying/choking/insert awful experience. Explaining akathisia is a bit like explaining severe pain to someone who has never felt it. To me, it feels like torture.
I've only ever experienced akathisia with neuroleptics. Other psych drugs have produced a variety of nasty reactions, including restlessness (mirtazapine) but it wasn't the same.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1054308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20131115/msgs/1055017.html