Shashank Arunachal U
St. Johns Medical College, India
Title: Epidemiology of tardive dyskinesias in community dwelling schizophrenia patients in rural South India
Biography
Biography: Shashank Arunachal U
Abstract
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a irreversible long-term adverse effect of antipsychotics. We report on prevalence and correlates of TD in sample of community dwelling schizophrenia patients. In our community intervention program from seven years, 350 schizophrenia patients have been identified. We conducted a cross-sectional study. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview is used for diagnosing schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria; Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) is used to assess psychopathology; Tardive Dyskinesia Rating Scale (TDRS) is used to assess tardive dyskinesias. Probable TD was defined according to Schooler-Kane research criteria. Severe TD was defined as either ‘continuous’ presence of movements or ‘incapacitating’ movements according to the TDRS. Mean (SD) age of the sample (n=180) was 43.5(11.5) years at baseline; females formed 49.4% (n=89); 89(50%) were from lower socio-economic strata; 96(53.6%) were married. Average years of education was 6.3(4.7) years; mean age at onset of schizophrenia was 28.4(9.9) years; Mean duration of illness was 180.9 (117.6) months. Mean total PANSS was 69.6 (25.1) at baseline; total duration of antipsychotic exposure was 53.4(26.4) months. Most of the patients were exposed to both typical as well as atypical antipsychotic medications. Prevalence of TD was 67/180 (37%). Severe TD was found only in 5 patients. Patients with TD were: significantly elder [age 46.3(12.8) vs. 41.8(10.4) years respectively; p=0.01] and had more severe current symptoms [mean current total PANSS score of 52.3 (20.0) vs. 44.6(15.1) respectively; p<0.01]. Prevalence of TD in our community sample is fairly high & presence of severe TD was very low.