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Low-dose apomorphine challenge in tardive akathisia
1Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Neurology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Low-dose apomorphine significantly reduced movement symptoms in tardive akathisia patients. However, it did not alleviate the subjective distress associated with this movement disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tardive akathisia is a distressing movement disorder often associated with antipsychotic use.
- Current treatments for tardive akathisia have limited efficacy and significant side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of low-dose apomorphine in treating the objective and subjective components of tardive akathisia.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- Seven patients with tardive akathisia received either low-dose apomorphine (0.01 mg/kg) subcutaneously or a placebo.
- Objective (movement) and subjective (distress) akathisia measures were assessed.
Main Results:
- Apomorphine significantly reduced objective akathisia (movements) compared to placebo.
- Apomorphine did not significantly reduce the subjective component (distress) of akathisia.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose apomorphine may be effective in managing the motor symptoms of tardive akathisia.
- Further research is needed to explore its effects on the subjective experience and long-term efficacy.