A Poorly Recognized Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Behavioral Disorder

Akinesia is an extrapyramidal behavioral side-effect of anti- psychotic medication characterized by a lessening of spontaneity, paucity of gestures, diminished conversation, and apathy. It can be easily confused with depression, demoralization, and residual schizo- phrenic defect. Studies of the value of maintenance antiparkinson medication usually overlook this common syndrome. We present eight case histories to illustrate this condition.