Association of subjective cognitive dysfunction with akathisia in patients receiving stable doses of risperidone or haloperidol

Summary Background and objective: Antipsychotic-induced akathisia leads to poor compliance with medication and is still a source of concern in the treatment with antipsychotic drugs. Regarding clinical characteristics, the distinguishing features of akathisia in comparison with other extrapyramidal syndromes are prominent subjective symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to examine the subjective cognitive dysfunction associated with antipsychotic-induced akathisia. Methods: Sixty-seven outpatients with schizophrenia receiving stable doses of risperidone or haloperidol were evaluated for akathisia and other extrapyramidal side effects. Subjective cognitive dysfunction was comprehensively assessed using the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ). The severity of subjective cognitive deficits was compared between the groups with and without akathisia using analysis of covariance with relevant variables as covariates. Results: The akathisia group (n = 25) scored significantly higher on the total FCQ score than the non-akathisia group (n = 42) (P