Adolescents on neuroleptic medication: is this population at risk for tardive dyskinesia?

OBJECTIVE

The assess the incidence of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in a sample of adolescents treated with neuroleptic medication and to identify the presence of any risk factors for TD within the affected group.

METHOD

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 40 cases. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was used to measure side effects from medication at 6-month intervals over 2 years. Drug exposure was converted to chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalent and the presence of risk factory for TD, such as a diagnosis of affective disorder, medication noncompliance, early age of illness onset, and concomitant antiparkinsonian medication, was also noted.

RESULTS

Of the 40 cases reviewed, 2 patients (5%) met diagnostic criteria for TD, and another 5 patients (12.5%) showed symptoms of TD.

CONCLUSIONS

TD is a serious risk at any age. Medication noncompliance, early age of illness onset, and concomitant use of antiparkinsonian medication may increase susceptibility to TD and should be carefully monitored.