Adolescents on neuroleptic medication: is this population at risk for tardive dyskinesia?
OBJECTIVE
The assess the incidence of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in a sample of adolescents treated with neuroleptic medication and to identify the presence of any risk factors for TD within the affected group.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was conducted for 40 cases. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was used to measure side effects from medication at 6-month intervals over 2 years. Drug exposure was converted to chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalent and the presence of risk factory for TD, such as a diagnosis of affective disorder, medication noncompliance, early age of illness onset, and concomitant antiparkinsonian medication, was also noted.


RESULTS
Of the 40 cases reviewed, 2 patients (5%) met diagnostic criteria for TD, and another 5 patients (12.5%) showed symptoms of TD.


CONCLUSIONS
TD is a serious risk at any age. Medication noncompliance, early age of illness onset, and concomitant use of antiparkinsonian medication may increase susceptibility to TD and should be carefully monitored.
McDermid
S A
SA
Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario. stephani@psych.utoronto.ca
Hood
J
J
Bockus
S
S
D'Alessandro
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents