Tardive Syndrome Is a Mysterious Phenomenon with Different Clinical Manifestations—Review

Abstract

Tardive syndrome (TS) refers to persistent hyperkinetic, hypokinetic, and sensory complaints appearing after chronic neuroleptics and other dopamine receptor-blocking agents (DRBAs). It is defined as involuntary movements, often rhythmic, choreiform, or athetoid, involving the tongue, face, extremities, and sensory urges such as akathisia and lasts for a few weeks. TS develops in association with neuroleptic medication usage for a few months at least. There is usually a delay between the initiation of the causative drug and the onset of abnormal movements. However, it was soon noted that TS can also develop early, even days or weeks after DRBAs begin. However, the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of developing TS. Tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, akathisia, tremor, and parkinsonism are frequent phenomenologies of this syndrome.