Tardive dyskinesia: pergolid, a possible therapeutic option

Abstract

There's still no effective treatment established for Tardive Dyskinesia. Aim of the study was to analyse the effect of pergolide, a D1 and D2 receptor agonist with prevalence for presynaptic auto receptors, in oro-facial tardive dyskinesia by means of a double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study. Low-dose pergolide should activate presynaptic auto receptors, decrease dopamintransmission and reduce tardive dyskinesia. Assessment of dyskinesia was performed with the computer-assisted technique Digital-Imaging-Processing in addition to the clinical scale AIMS (Abnormal-Involuntary-Movement-Scale). 10 patients with oro-facial dyskinesia were examined for alteration to dyskinesia, psychopathology, vital functions and laborchemical parameter. Dyskinesia decreased 25 % for relax and 17 % for task conditions under pergolide treatment. Low-dose pergolide showed no side effects or worsening of the psychopathological state. Results of the Digital-Imaging-Processing correlated significantly with the results of clinical AIMS scale, but the computer-assisted technique gives more detailed information about degree and type of the movement disorder. Results suggest a therapeutic effect of pergolide in tardive dyskinesia, this has to be verified with a larger study population and longer observation. Assessment of dyskinesia is rater independent and more significant with the computer-assisted technique.