What is a characteristic symptom of akathisia, a side effect of antipsychotic medications?

• A. Shuffling gait
• B. Restlessness
• C. Masked face
• D. Pill-rolling tremors

Answer: (B)

Restlessness is a defining symptom of akathisia, which is often associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. Individuals experiencing akathisia report a compelling need to be in constant motion and may exhibit behaviors such as pacing, fidgeting, or an inability to sit still. This characteristic restlessness differentiates akathisia from other movement disorders that might arise from similar medications.

The other choices represent different movement disorders or symptoms associated with various conditions. For example, a shuffling gait is typically associated with Parkinson's disease and indicates reduced mobility or balance. A masked face pertains to the reduced facial expressiveness often seen in Parkinson's, reflecting the rigidity and bradykinesia characteristic of that disorder. Pill-rolling tremors, also indicative of Parkinson's disease, describe the repetitive motion some individuals exhibit in their fingers, as if they are rolling a small object between them. These symptoms, while significant in their own right, are not indicative of akathisia and thus highlight the uniquely restless aspect of the condition.