Treatments for Medication-Induced Movement Disorders

Movement disorders induced by medications for psychosis (antipsychotics), including parkinsonism, akathisia, acute dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia, mainly occur due to the blockade of dopamine in the extrapyramidal system. These side effects more commonly occur in patients receiving dopamine blockers (first-generation antipsychotics) than in those receiving dopamine serotonin blockers or partial agonists (second-generation antipsychotics) and can lead to poor adherence or even refusal of medication in patients if not appropriately managed. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, also caused by medications for psychosis, is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate if not appropriately treated. This chapter describes the symptomatology, rating scales, and treatment regimens including specific medications for each extrapyramidal symptom and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.