Early detection of antipsychotic side-effects

Abstract

Aims and methods. Staff from five community mental health teams (CMHTs) were trained to use structured rating scales for akathisia, tardive dyskinesia and Parkinsonism. Detection rates of these side-effects were compared for the six months before and after the intervention. Results. Fifty-seven per cent of the target professionals participated, screening 200 (52%) eligible patients. This resulted in significant increases in the recording of all three side-effects as positive but no increase in their formal diagnosis. Clinical implications. Detection rates of these side-effects can be increased to those predicted by research with significant reductions in drug dose and non-adherence and without clinical deterioration.