Related Experiment Videos
Movements in never-medicated schizophrenics: a preliminary study
D S Fenn1, D Moussaoui, W F Hoffman
1Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.
Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Abnormal involuntary movements, similar to tardive dyskinesia (TD), may spontaneously occur in schizophrenia patients. This study found such movements in 14% of never-medicated individuals, suggesting they are not solely medication-induced.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Historical descriptions of schizophrenia note abnormal movements resembling tardive dyskinesia (TD).
- TD is currently understood as a potential side effect of neuroleptic medications.
- The spontaneous occurrence of these movements in schizophrenia is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of choreoathetoid movements in never-medicated patients with schizophrenia.
- To determine if abnormal involuntary movements can manifest as a symptom of schizophrenia itself, independent of medication.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 22 never-medicated patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-III-R) was assessed.
- Patients presented for treatment in Casablanca, Morocco, with an illness duration of 1-10 years.
- Choreoathetoid movements were evaluated using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) through videotaped and live examinations.
Main Results:
- 14% of patients met criteria for probable spontaneous dyskinesia (SD).
- An additional 23% exhibited mild movements (AIMS = 2).
- Movement severity correlated positively with patient age and duration of illness (r = 0.64, P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Choreoathetoid movements may occur spontaneously in schizophrenia patients.
- These findings challenge the sole attribution of such movements to neuroleptic medication.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology of spontaneous movements in schizophrenia.