Tardive dyskinesia in long-term hospitalised Zulu psychiatric patients. A prevalence study

A survey of long-term hospitalised Zulu psychiatric patients at Ekuhlengeni Sanatorium, Umbogintwini, Natal, revealed a 31% incidence of neuroleptic-related abnormal movements. Length of hospitalisation was the only risk factor significantly associated with the development of tardive dyskinesia. Direct comparisons between these findings and those in white South African patients are invalid because of many uncontrolled variables such as diet and the differing therapeutic approaches of individual psychiatrists. The study confirms that black patients are susceptible to the development of tardive dyskinesia with a prevalence rate comparable to those reported in other population groups, and suggests that they may develop the condition sooner and at lower dosages of neuroleptic drugs than whites.