Acute extrapyramidal syndromes in neuroleptic-treated elders: a pilot study.
The incidence, morbidity, and risk factors for acute extrapyramidal syndromes (EPS) such as akathisia and drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) in neuroleptic-treated elders have not been systematically explored. This study presents data on 17 elderly patients who were prospectively examined for up to 4 weeks for acute EPS, functional and cognitive status, and behavioral disturbances. Seventy-one percent of subjects developed DIP, and 18% developed akathisia. Predictors of DIP included pre-neuroleptic treatment parkinsonian signs and neuroleptic dose, despite use of low doses of neuroleptics. Development of acute EPS was associated with failure to improve behaviorally. New-onset urinary incontinence was the most common functional abnormality.
Ganzini
L
L
Psychiatry Service, Portland VAMC, OR 97207.
Heintz
R
R
Hoffman
W F
WF
Keepers
G A
GA
Casey
D E
DE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002746:Chlorpromazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002746:Chlorpromazine