Educational reference
About this symptom
Changes in movement occur in some people and take markedly different forms at opposite extremes.
Movement may become agitated or restless, or repetitive without apparent purpose. Alternatively it may become greatly reduced: slowed responses, holding one position for long periods, not responding to speech, or resisting attempts to be moved. Reduced eating and drinking may accompany this.
Markedly reduced movement, prolonged stillness, or not responding needs prompt clinical attention. These states can affect eating, drinking and physical health, and they are treatable, but they are not something to wait out at home.
Agitated states also warrant help, both for the person's safety and because agitation is usually a sign of considerable distress.
Movement changes also arise from other causes, including the effects of some medicines. Movement side effects of antipsychotic medicines are recognised and are a reason to speak to the prescribing clinician rather than to stop the medicine abruptly.