Free radical mechanisms in schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia

The present article discusses the distribution of free radical processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Specifically, we discuss the involvement of oxyradicals in the normal metabolism of catecholamine. We also review some proposals related to the possible importance of these compounds in the development of neuropsychiatric and movement disorders such as schizophrenia and neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD), respectively. Clinical studies have shown that antioxidant treatment can attenuate the movement abnormalities observed in TD. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the status of specific scavenging systems in these two disorders. The prophylactic use of antioxidants in patients who are treated with neuroleptics needs also to be considered.