How Do You Spell AKATHISIA?

Pronunciation: [ˌakəθˈɪzi͡ə] (IPA)

Akathisia is a medical term that refers to a movement disorder characterized by an inner restlessness and inability to sit still. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /əˌkæθɪˈziə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'a' is pronounced as a schwa sound while the second syllable 'ka' is pronounced as 'kæ'. The third syllable 'thi' is pronounced as 'θɪ' and the last syllable 'sia' is pronounced as 'ziə'. This word is often misspelled due to its difficult pronunciation and uncommon presentation.

AKATHISIA Meaning and Definition

1. Akathisia is a medical term used to describe a movement disorder characterized by an intense inner restlessness or agitation. It is a side effect often associated with the use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants. The term itself is derived from the Greek words "a" meaning absence or lack of, and "kathisis" meaning sitting down or cessation of movement.

   Individuals experiencing akathisia typically feel an overwhelming urge to keep moving or be unable to find comfort in any specific position. This restlessness can manifest as pacing, rocking back and forth, constantly shifting in a seat, or an inability to relax and stay still. The sensations associated with akathisia can be described as discomfort, anxiousness, or a crawling or tingling feeling in the limbs.

   Akathisia can significantly impact a person's overall well-being and quality of life. It may increase the risk of non-compliance with medication regimens, as it can be distressing and disruptive. The exact cause of akathisia is not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve disruptions in the normal functioning of certain neurochemicals in the brain, including dopamine. It is important for healthcare professionals to closely monitor patients who are prescribed medications known to have the potential to induce akathisia, and to consider adjusting or changing the medication regimen if symptoms arise.

   In summary, akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by an intense inner restlessness and the inability to stay still. It is often a side effect of certain medications and can greatly impact a person's well-being.

2. Acathisia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for AKATHISIA

• zkathisia
• skathisia
• wkathisia
• qkathisia
• ajathisia
• amathisia
• alathisia
• aoathisia
• aiathisia
• akzthisia
• aksthisia
• akwthisia
• akqthisia
• akarhisia
• akafhisia
• akaghisia
• akayhisia
• aka6hisia
• aka5hisia
• akatgisia

Etymology of AKATHISIA

The term "akathisia" is derived from the Greek words "a" meaning "without" and "kathisis" meaning "sitting/dwelling". Therefore, "akathisia" literally translates to "the inability to sit or dwell". The word was first coined in the mid-1960s to describe a cluster of symptoms related to a motor restlessness and an overwhelming urge to move, typically induced as a side effect of certain medications.

Plural form of AKATHISIA is AKATHISIAS