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Published on: November 21, 2013
Family history of primary movement disorders as a predictor for neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms
Rebekka Lencer1, Gunnar Eismann, Meike Kasten
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Germany. lencer.r@psychiatry.uni-luebeck.de
Background:
A genetic susceptibility to extrapyramidal symptoms caused by treatment with neuroleptic medication has been suggested.
Aims:
To identify predictor variables for neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, particularly considering family history of primary movement disorders.
Method:
We investigated 100 in-patients receiving a stable neuroleptic medication with regard to occurrence of extrapyramidal symptoms, drug history and detailed family history of primary movement disorders.
Results:
Step-wise logistic regression analysis revealed that a positive family history was a significant predictor for lifetime prevalence of extrapyramidal symptoms, including reported and currently observed symptoms. The duration of exposure to neuroleptic medication and age were further predictors.
Conclusions:
Our findings underline the notion of genetic susceptibility for secondary extrapyramidal symptoms and suggest possible shared genetic factors in primary and secondary movement disorders as well as psychotic disorders.
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