Use of clozapine in tardive dystonia

Abstract

1. 1. This open clinical trial (N = 7) measured the course of severe tardive dystonia in chronic psychiatric patients after discontinuation of neuroleptics and subsequent use of clozapine. 2. 2. The dystonia was regularly assessed using the Fahn-Marsden Rating Scale. The eventual concomitant tardive dyskinesia was assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. The mean follow up was 103 weeks. 3. 3. The results for the tardive dystonia: four patients recovered totally, two unproved considerably and one did not recover. 4. 4. The results for the concomitant tardive dyskinesia: five of the seven patients had also dyskinesia, one patient had a total, two a partly remission, one had a very fluctuating course, and one patient worsened. Another patient developed dyskinesia. 5. 5. It is suggested to consider clozapine for patients with tardive dystonia who have to continue antipsychotic treatment.