No association between akathisia or Parkinsonism and suicidality in treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Akathisia and drug-induced Parkinsonism have traditionally been associated with depression and suicidality based on case study evidence. In this subanalysis, patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia were rated on the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale, Barnes Akathisia Scale and Simpson-Angus extrapyramidal side-effect scale at two time points (n = 86 at first assessment; n = 67 at second assessment). At no time point was there any significant relationship between akathisia and depression/suicidality or distress associated with akathisia and Parkinsonism with suicidality. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation