Identifier

etd-07112006-085946

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by a sense of restlessness and increased motor activity. Movement disorders are primarily an iatrogenic result of mediation use. In the case of akathisia, this syndrome is easily misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder. As a result, there is a need to development greater awareness and encourage research on akathisia and the movement disorder field at large. Accordingly, the APA has included research criteria for the movement disorder syndromes in the Criteria Sets and Axes Provided for Further Study of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual since the fourth revision. The purpose of this project was to investigate the validity of two best researched and most commonly used akathisia scales for assessing individuals with intellectual disability. Participants were selected for one of three groups, a control group or one of two quasi-experimental groups. Analyses of mean differences and correlations were completed to detect the differences between groups scores earned on the two scales. Results from this study are interpreted as support for the use of these scales as a valid means to assess and monitor akathisia in a population of individuals with intellectual disability.

Date

2006

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Johnny L. Matson

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.677

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Psychology Commons

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