What condition is represented by the diagnosis of akathisia?

Akathisia is characterized by a compelling need to be in constant motion and an inability to remain still. Patients often describe feelings of inner restlessness or anxiety that drive them to fidget, pace, or engage in other activities to relieve this discomfort. This condition can be associated with certain medications, particularly some antipsychotics, and is distinct from other mental health conditions due to its physical manifestation of restlessness.

In contrast, severe depression generally involves low energy, lack of motivation, and feelings of sadness, but does not typically entail the constant urge to move that akathisia does. Excessive sedation refers to a state of drowsiness or inactivity, essentially the opposite of the restless state seen in akathisia. Lastly, while anxiety disorders can involve feelings of restlessness, they encompass a broader range of symptoms and are not specifically defined by the inability to remain still, which is the hallmark of akathisia. Thus, the definition of akathisia aligns precisely with the inability to remain still.