Tardive dyskinesia

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of schizophrenia was revolutionized by the introduction of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) in the 1950s. FGAs have now been largely replaced by second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), which have a lower propensity for acute extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)[1,2] and perhaps tardive dyskinesia (TD).[3] There remains a need however to be able to accurately detect and manage motoric side effects of antipsychotics as these problems persist in clinical practice. Conclusion: Tardive dyskinesia rates appear to be lower with newer antipsychotic agents but still a problematic side effect that requires astute clinical skills for detection and mitigation. This chapter will review all aspects of this side effect to aid clinicians' ability to provide safe patient care while prescribing second generation antipsychotics. © 2011 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.