ABSTRACT
Movement disorders are frequently due to dopamine blocking agents (DBAs) prescribed
for psychiatric illnesses. DBAs are sometimes also prescribed inappropriately for
other maladies. These drugs can cause a wide variety of involuntary movements, sometimes
in combination. When these appear in the setting of psychiatric illnesses, the association
is easy to recognize but the treatment remains a difficult problem. However, in other
situations the diagnosis may be missed for extended periods of time, resulting in
unnecessary diagnostic work-up and inappropriate therapy. The diagnosis depends on
a compulsive drug history not only from the patient but also from patient's family,
primary physician, and the pharmacist. The treatment options include removal of the
offending agent or substitution with an atypical neuroleptic. Symptomatic treatments
are varied and have an inconsistent effect on the movement disorders. Prevention remains
the most important strategy.
KEYWORD
Tardive dyskinesia - antipsychotic drugs - schizophrenia - risk factors - pathophysiology
- treatment - drug-induced parkinsonism - dopamine blocking agents
