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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:38
Habituation and Prepulse Inhibition of Acoustic Startle in Rodents
Published on: September 1, 2011
Newer antipsychotics and the rabbit syndrome
Mario Catena Dell'osso1, Andrea Fagiolini, Francesca Ducci
1Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche e Psichiatriche, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. catena.mario@virgilio.it
Summary
Rabbit syndrome, a movement disorder, can occur with antipsychotic use. This review explores its link to newer atypical antipsychotics and presents a case study, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Movement Disorders
- Neuropharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Rabbit syndrome is a movement disorder linked to long-term neuroleptic medication use.
- The risk of rabbit syndrome with newer atypical antipsychotics requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the risk of rabbit syndrome associated with newer atypical antipsychotics.
- To review the clinical manifestations, prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of rabbit syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE and PubMed (1972-2006) using keywords: rabbit syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, antipsychotic, extrapyramidal symptoms, and side effects.
- Inclusion of a recent case study on newer antipsychotics and rabbit syndrome.
Main Results:
- Eleven cases of rabbit syndrome have been documented with newer antipsychotics.
- A case of rabbit syndrome in a patient treated with risperidone is presented, showing symptom resolution upon discontinuation and recurrence upon re-introduction.
- Review covered clinical aspects, prevalence, risk factors, etiopathogenesis, and treatments for rabbit syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Further research is necessary to understand rabbit syndrome's etiopathogenesis in patients on atypical antipsychotics.
- Differentiating rabbit syndrome from tardive dyskinesia is crucial for effective treatment paradigms.
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