Aripiprazole for Neuroleptic-Induced Tardive Dyskinesia

Aripiprazole for Pre-Existing Neuroleptic-Induced Tardive Dyskinesia: a Prospective 26-Week Observational Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of aripiprazole in management of pre-existing neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia

Objective:A few case reports on the use of aripiprazole in neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia have demonstrated positive effects. However its effectiveness in treatment of TD was still inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of aripiprazole in management of pre-existing neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia.

Method: Subjects with pre-existing neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia were chosen from Taoyuan psychiatric center. Patients recruited would be treated with aripiprazole for cross-titration with previous antipsychotics in 8 weeks. We use AIMS, SAS, & BAS to assess the severity of TF and EPS. We record subjects' age, sex, and other factors which have influence at the treatment response. Subjects are assessed every two weeks in the first month and then monthly until six months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients must agree to prevent from being pregnant during trial periods
• Meet psychotic disorder or mood disorder criteria of DSM-IV
• Patients must have psychiatric diseases that need to use antipsychotics for a long time
• They must meet DSM-IV research criteria for neuroleptics induce tardive dyskinesia
• No clinical significant major systemic diseases
• No special neurological diseases which would influence the assessment for EPS or TD
• Mentality is better than mild mental retardation
• Patients or .legal representatives agree to join in the research and sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable major systemic diseases
• Had neurological disorder influenced to EPS assessment
• Substance abuse or dependence other then coffee or tobacco within 6 months before study