Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences (Apr 2024)

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Tardive Dyskinesia in Patients with Chronic Mental Illness in Psychiatry Rehabilitation Centres

  • Bhanu Dahiya,
  • Tanisha S Bhat,
  • Ravichandra Karkal,
  • Anil Kakunje

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1

Abstract

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Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a medication induced movement disorder characterised by involuntary athetoid or choreiform movements generally of the tongue, lower face and jaw, and extremities developing in association with the use of a neuroleptic medication for at least a few months that persists despite discontinuation or change of the medications. This study was done to help in the early recognition and management of tardive dyskinesia and to obtain useful data to help prevent the same. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tardive dyskinesia in patients with psychiatric illness having more than 3 months cumulative exposure to neuroleptics, and to determine the clinical correlates of tardive dyskinesia in them. Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was carried out after obtaining clearance from the Institution’s Ethics Committee (YEC2/658) between January 1st, 2021 and April 2022. A total of 207 participants were enrolled who were patients with psychiatric illness having more than 3 months of cumulative exposure to neuroleptics. Participants were then evaluated using the Schooler Kane criteria, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale and various sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed. Results: Patients with schizophrenia are most at risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (67.1%). It was also discovered that chlorpromazine comparable dosages were significantly higher among participants with tardive dyskinesia. Orofacial tardive dyskinesia had the highest overall prevalence (23.2%). Conclusion: Many patients with psychotic diseases experienced movement difficulties brought on by conventional antipsychotics, which are viewed as burdensome and stigmatizing events. Designing treatment guidelines, expanding the availability of medications with minimum adverse effects, and providing psychoeducation on related aspects are crucial.

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