Tardive dysmentia : further comments

The author distinguishes between the putative neuroleptic-induced disorders of tardive dysmentia and supersensitivity psychosis. The distinction is made with regard to clinical features, response to pharmacological intervention, and proposed etiologies. It is suggested that tardive dysmentia is due not to dopaminergic supersensitivity but to some other neurotoxic phenomenon associated with the use of neuroleptic drugs. The possibility that cholinergic mechanisms are involved in the tardive dysmentia syndrome is examined. Finally, the potential for such drug-induced disorders to confuse diagnosis is highlighted.