[Prevalence of extrapyramidal effects by neuroleptics in admitted people with schizophrenia]

The aim of the study was to detect and determine the prevalence of extrapyramidal effects (akathisia, parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias) in admitted people with schizophrenia who have been treated with typical and atypical neuroleptics.

Descriptive and cross-sectional study on Zaldibar's Hospital, with a sample of 28 admitted persons over 18 years diagnosed with schizophrenia, treated with typical and atypical neuroleptics for a period longer than 6 months. The variables studied were sex, age, treatment with neuroleptics, treatment duration and extrapyramidal effects (akathisia, parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias). To measure extrapyramidal effects were used: the Simpson-Angus Scale for parkinsonism, the Barnes Scale for akathisia and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale for tardive dyskinesias.

In the study the 21.4% of patients had extrapyramidal effects (akathisia, parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias). Depending on the type of extrapyramidal effects 14.3% of patients had parkinsonism, 7.1% of patients had akathisia and 3.6% of patients had tardive dyskinesias.

The clinical assessment of adverse effects is an important aspect. Encourage the use of specific assessment scales for these adverse effects may be useful as a guarantee of the quality of care and improved patient safety. Nurses have an important role in the assessment of adverse effects.