This podcast is about akathisia stories and akathisia science. Akathisia is a severe movement disorder characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. People who suffer with akathisia describe it as severely painful, and like being plugged into an electrical outlet. They often feel as if they want to claw their skin away and climb out of it. This terrible condition is caused by the toxic effects of psych drugs, including benzodiazepines. It is an iatrogenic injury, which means it is caused by medical treatment. People who experience protracted withdrawal from quitting benzodiazepine use sometimes experience akathisia as part of the withdrawal syndrome. There is hope for people who have akathisia. Over time, the symptoms do subside. There are also therapeutic options that may provide some relief in some cases. read less