Ten year outcome of tardive dyskinesia during continuous treatment with first generation antipsychotics

The aim of this study is to determine the course of tardive dyskinesia (TD) during continuous medication with first generation antipsychotics.

Patients of a psychiatric nursing home were assessed for TD by means of the AIMS on two occasions ten years apart.

Out of 10 patients who met criteria for TD at baseline the global judgement of severity of the AIMS improved in 5, worsened in 4 and remained unchanged in one patient. The mean sum score of the AIMS slightly increased from 5.5 to 6.3. No patient developed movements that incapacitated him in his daily activities.

In concordance with the available literature these findings support the view that under continuous treatment with antipsychotics there is an equal chance for improvement as for deterioration. Progressive worsening to severe forms of TD was not observed.