Neuroleptic medication for dystonia. Reciprocal relationship between effects on motor function and mood.
BACKGROUND
The presence of dysphoric symptoms associated with neuroleptic medication is commonly reported.


METHODS
Neuroleptic treatment of a segmental dystonia resulted in a disabling depressive illness, which when treated with antidepressants led to the return of the involuntary movements.


RESULTS
The use of several different antidepressants and neuroleptics confirmed the association between drugs and symptoms. Genetic studies excluded "poor metaboliser status" as a reason for the patient's sensitivity to these drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
The case illustrates a delicate imbalance between dose of neuroleptic medication and depressive symptoms. We should be aware of the possibility of mood changes in patients treated with neuroleptics for a variety of conditions.
Young
C S
CS
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Dundee Liff Hospital.
Stewart
J B
JB
Fenton
G W
GW
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004421:Dystonia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012008:Recurrence
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents