Tardive dyskinesia: summary of a Task Force Report of the American Psychiatric Association. By the Task Force on Late Neurological Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs

Abnormal movements associated with the prolonged use of antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia) occur in at least 10%-20% of the patients at risk; prevalence is higher among the elderly. The casue is unknown, but increased sensitivity to dopamine in the basal ganglia may contribute to the pathophysiology. Many treatments have been evaluated; none is satisfactory. While the problem is serious, an alarmist view is unwarranted, especially since many cases are detected early and improve spontaneously. The best approach currently is to use antipsychotic drugs thoughtfully for clear indications, the best supported of which, scientifically, is chronic schizophrenia. There is a search for new agents with much less adverse neurologic effect but with adequate antipsychotic efficacy. This article summarizes an APA Task Force Report.