Antipsychotic-induced movement disorders: evaluation and treatment.

36 INTRODUCTION Antipsychotic drugs are the mainstay of treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The therapeutic efficacy of these drugs is well established. However, these drugs are associated with a wide range of side effects, including a variety of movement disorders. The newer antipsychotics have a lower propensity to cause acute extrapyramidal side effects and tardive dyskinesia. The movement disorders associated with antipsychotics are disabling and distressing and result in behavioral disturbances (violence and aggression), nonadherence, and exacerbation of psychosis. Some of the motor signs may be misinterpreted as psychotic symptoms. The bradykinesia, limb stiffness, and mask-like facies seen in Parkinsonism are a social and functional handicap. The restlessness and agitation associated with akathisia have similar effects. Patients with tardive dyskinesia may not be distressed Antipsychotic-Induced Movement Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment [ R E V I E W ]