Assessment of abnormal involuntary movements in psychiatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal-involuntary-movements can be distressing and disabling and are largely attributed to the effects of psychiatric medications. Movement side effects can present as an easily recognisable entity or it may have an uncommon presentation. This uncommon presentation can be easily misdiagnosed or missed. Therefore, it is important to study the prevalence of abnormal involuntary movements in psychiatric patients so that appropriate measures can be taken to cure and improve their quality of life. PRIMARY-OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of abnormal involuntary movements in psychiatric patients. SECONDARY-OBJECTIVE: To study the nature of abnormal involuntary movements in psychiatric patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: After the permission form the Institutional Ethics Committee,50 individuals attending the OPD/IPD in psychiatry were enrolled for the study and interviewed after taking their written informed-consent according to a semi-structured-proforma and questionnaire prepared for the study. AIMS scale was administered. Data collected was tabulated, analysed statistically and results were obtained. RESULTS: We interviewed 50 participants of which 20% were on antidepressants and 56% were on antipsychotics.6% of the population on antidepressants, 44% on antipsychotics and 14% on both showed abnormal-involuntary-movements. Around 22% cases were identified by AIMS criteria while 64% cases were identified by Questionnaire criteria. A significant 42% of cases which otherwise would have been missed by AIMS criteria, were picked up by questionnaire method. Tremors of hands and feet were the most common abnormal-involuntary-movement seen in 54% participants as per the questionnaire, and, they were excluded by the AIMS scale. CONCLUSION: Abnormal-involuntary-movements are common among the psychiatric patients, more commonly in patients on antipsychotics. Many cases often go undiagnosed, which suggests that better assessment modalities should be adopted for appropriate detection and management.