The following behaviors are common in people with akathisia:

• Clinginess/Separation Anxiety – The chemically-induced terror associated with akathisia can cause your loved one to exhibit extremely clingy behavior. They may need to be near their “safe” people and places at all times. In fact, many people with akathisia are too terrified to be alone or leave their home at all.
• I hate you – don’t leave me – It is common for people with akathisia to have frequent angry outbursts followed by pleas for help.
• Self-absorbed and uncaring – They may seem incredibly self-absorbed and uncaring. This is because they feel as if they’re being held captive by a serial killer and nothing is as important as trying to escape.
• Neglecting activities of daily living – Although your loved one’s symptoms can appear entirely psychological, they are actually very ill and likely cannot maintain employment. They may also neglect chores and other activities of daily living.
• Frequent doctor visits – The vast majority of people with akathisia are misdiagnosed with anxiety. Unfortunately, your loved one may need to visit many doctors before getting the correct diagnosis. This is extremely important because the medications prescribed for anxiety can make akathisia much worse.
• Research – They may spend a significant amount of time researching. This is because they feel like they can’t live another minute with akathisia and need to find the answers they haven’t gotten from their doctors. Preventing them from doing this could significantly worsen feelings of hopelessness.
• Online support groups – Your loved one may be spending a lot of time in online support groups. This will help them survive. Most people in these groups have lost family and friends due to their akathisia and understand how important it is that your loved one does not feel alone. These groups function to keep each other safe and prevent suicide.
• Resistance to further medications – Their symptoms are so severe that they’re probably having thoughts of suicide. Because they don’t think they’ll survive if they get worse, they may strongly resist taking another medication. Although their doctors are likely recommending this, the majority of doctors know little to nothing about akathisia, so please don’t have blind faith that they know best. As we’ve seen in the support groups, this can be a fatal mistake.
• “Windows” and “waves” – When akathisia begins, it is often 24/7 with no breaks. The next step may be a “windows-and-waves” pattern in which a window represents a decrease in symptoms and a wave represents an increase in symptoms. Your loved one will likely seem much better during these windows, but when a wave hits, their “akathisia behavior” will return. They cannot control this.
• “Thinking positive” will not help – Akathisia is caused by a neurochemical disruption that will not respond to positive thinking. Suggesting your loved one do this adds significant pressure and frustration. It will make you angry when they don’t appear to be trying, and your anger will likely worsen their symptoms.
• They are not “faking” symptoms – Your loved one is not inventing or faking symptoms, and they are not “attention-seeking.” Having to fight to be believed can be extremely frustrating and make their symptoms worse. Patients with akathisia are often told it’s “all in your head” by doctors and family members. As we’ve seen in the support groups, this can contribute as much to suicides as the akathisia itself. It is important to understand they see you as their only hope for survival and if you don’t believe them, no one will.