Objective: To determine the frequency and profile of TS in persons on antipsychotics attending tertiary psychiatry hospitals.

Background: The term tardive syndrome (TS) encompasses the entire spectrum of persistent movement disorders (hyperkinetic and hypokinetic) and sensory phenomenologies caused by chronic exposure to dopamine receptor blockers. Traditionally, the association has been predominantly highlighted with respect to use of typical antipsychotics, but also occurs with exposure to atypical or second generation antipsychotics. The potential for impacting negatively on drug compliance and outcomes provides an impetus for increased recognition and earlier diagnosis of TS. The data on the burden and profile of TS in our practice environment is sparse.

Method: This is an ongoing cross-sectional study being conducted at two tertiary psychiatry hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Approval of the study protocol was obtained from the research ethics committee at both sites, and written informed consent was obtained from participants or their proxies. Inclusion criteria was all consecutively attending out-patients using antipsychotics and irrespective of the psychiatry diagnosis. Baseline demographic characteristics, drug histories, and clinical diagnosis were documented. Diagnosis of TS was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM 5). Each participant was assessed by a study psychiatrist using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).

Results: As at the time of this report, 105 participants (62 females) had been recruited. Mean age of participants was 39.1±11.3 years, with mean duration of psychiatric illness of 11.9 years (median 5 years). The most frequent diagnosis was schizophrenia (67; 63.8%). Atypical antipsychotics were prescribed in 58 (55.3%).
The frequency of TS as defined by the AIMS was 19.6%. Subtypes of TS identified were dystonia 17%, tremor 16%,chorea 2.9%, akathisia 5% and parkinsonism 14.3%. Statistical association was found between age and TS and age & gender (t =2.622, p=0.010; t= -3.112, p= 0.002)

Conclusion: Our preliminary data indicate a significantly high proportion of persons with TS in our study population. Hyperkinetic disorders are more prevalent.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prospective-investigation-of-the-frequency-of-tardive-syndromes-in-outpatients-attending-two-specialist-psychiatry-hospitals-in-lagos-nigeria/