What is "akathisia"

n. (context medicine English) A sensation of restlessness characterized by an inability to sit still/down or remain motionless/seated, arising from a subjective need or desire to move, often coinciding with the sensation of twitching of muscles, often as a side effect of psychiatric medications.

Akathisia, or acathisia (from Greek kathízein – "to sit", a- indicating negation or absence, lit. "inability to sit") is a movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion, as well as by actions such as rocking while standing or sitting, lifting the feet as if marching on the spot, and crossing and uncrossing the legs while sitting. People with akathisia are unable to sit or keep still, complain of restlessness, fidget, rock from foot to foot, and pace.

The term was coined by the Czech neuropsychiatrist Ladislav Haskovec (1866–1944), who described the phenomenon in 1901.

Antipsychotics (also known as neuroleptics), particularly the first generation antipsychotics, may cause akathisia. Other known causes include side effects of certain medications, and nearly any physical dependence-inducing drug during drug withdrawal. It is also associated with Parkinson's disease and related syndromes.

Akathisia is the debut studio album by the instrumental experimental rock group Hovercraft. It was released on February 11, 1997 through Blast First/ Mute Records.