Tardive dyskinesia.

Abstract

Tardive dyskinesia is an involuntary movement disorder associated with the prolonged use of antipsychotic drugs. The estimated prevalence rate is 10-15%. Elderly individuals are at greater risk than those below age 50. Although its cause is unknown, increased sensitivity to dopamine in the basal ganglia may contribute to the pathophysiology. No satisfactory treatment is currently available, restricted indications for chronic antipsychotic drug treatment, but early recognition of tardive dyskinesia, and prompt discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs when appropriate may reduce the incidence of this disorder.