Dyskinesia is found significantly more often among neuroleptic-treated
psychiatric patients than among non-neuroleptic-treated patients. The
epidemiology of tardive dyskinesia is changing; its reported prevalence
among neuroleptic-treated psychiatric inpatients has been progressively
rising and has reached 25% during the past five years. The prevalence of
persistent tardive dyskinesia that may be attributable to neuroleptics is
about 13%. Tardive dyskinesia is not restricted to old, brain-damaged
inpatients but also occurs with a noticeable frequency among younger
patients, including outpatients, treated neuroleptics. Yet neuroleptics are
the most effective available treatment for schizophrenia; hence, any
drastic curtailment of their use in the treatment of chronic schizophrenic
patients may not be justified. Cautious use of these drugs, along with
intensified research on tardive dyskinesia is warranted.Abstract Teaser