The Relationship of Akathisia with Treatment Emergent Suicidality among Patients with First-Episode Schizophrenia Treated with Haloperidol or Risperidone

Abstract

Akathisia as well as younger age, early illness onset and discharge are important risk factors for suicidality in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to analyze on a single case basis the relationship between a sudden increase in suicidality, anxiety symptoms, medication dosing and clinician- and patient-rated akathisia. A small subsample of patients demonstrated a positive relationship between suicidality and akathisia scores within the titration period of the study medication.

Key words

akathisia - anxiety - first episode schizophrenia - suicidality

*

^*  Both authors contributed equally.

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