Early detection of antipsychotic side-effects

Abstract

Aims and methodsStaff from five community mental health teams (CMHTs) were trained to use structured rating scales for akathisia, tardive dyskinesia and Parkinsonism. Detection rates of these side-effects were compared for the six months before and after the intervention.ResultsFifty-seven per cent of the target professionals participated, screening 200 (52%) eligible patients. This resulted in significant increases in the recording of all three side-effects as positive but no increase in their formal diagnosis.Clinical implicationsDetection rates of these side-effects can be increased to those predicted by research with significant reductions in drug dose and non-adherence and without clinical deterioration.