장시정좌불능증에 수반된• 충동적 자해 및 자살기도

Self-Mutilation and Suicidal Attempt Associated with Akathisia

The characteristic feature of akathisia — a subjective sense of restlessness — may be accompanied by a variety of behavioral manifestations that range from fidgeting and irritability to an inability to sit still, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity, and extreme agitation. The author reported two cases. Each of the cases revealed impulsive self-mutilation or suicidal attempt, concurrent with neurolepticinduced akathisia, and disappeared when the akathisia was treated. The author belives along with some review over literature that akathisia often exacervates psychotic agitation and sometimes contributes to impulsive self-multilation and suicidal behavior. The cases reported here attest to the need for early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of akathisia.