Evaluation of akathisia in patients receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors

Akathisia is an underestimated but disturbing extrapyramidal side effect of antidepressants, which could reduce treatment compliance in mood disorders. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and risk factors in patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SSRI/SNRI). In addition, we assessed the impact of akathisia on the quality of life (QoL). Patients were aged between 18 and 75 years, receiving an SSRI/SNRI for 4-8 weeks, and were diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of the akathisia. QoL was evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Akathisia was observed in 25% (50/198) of patients. Smokers and younger patients were more frequent among patients with akathisia. Physical functioning, physical role, vitality, and mental health domains of the SF-36 were reduced in the presence of akathisia. In conclusion, our results suggest that akathisia is not a rare side effect of SSRI/SNRI in patients with mood disorders, especially in smokers and younger patients. In addition, akathisia may reduce treatment compliance owing to a reduction in QoL. Further investigations are needed to confirm the risk factors, frequency, and consequences of treatment compliance for SSRI/SNRI-induced akathisia in patients with mood disorders.