Persistent Movement Disorders in Long-Stay Psychiatric Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Roberto Bakker, Izaäk W. de Groot, Jim van Os, Peter N. van Harten
Primary Institution: Psychiatric Centre GGZ Centraal, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Movement disorders remain highly prevalent in vulnerable populations with chronic mental illness requiring long-term antipsychotic treatment.
Conclusion
Persistent movement disorder continues to be the norm for long-stay patients with chronic mental illness and long-term antipsychotic treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- 28.4% of patients had tardive dyskinesia.
- 56.2% of patients experienced parkinsonism.
- 68% of participants had at least one type of persistent movement disorder.
Takeaway
Many patients who stay in psychiatric hospitals for a long time have ongoing movement problems caused by their medication, and this is something that needs to be addressed.
Methodology
A naturalistic study assessing movement disorders in 209 patients over a 4-year period using validated scales.
Potential Biases
Potential underdiagnosis of movement disorders due to reliance on clinical assessments.
Limitations
Results cannot be generalized to all psychiatric patients as the cohort was specific to those requiring long-stay care.
Participant Demographics
Mainly white patients with chronic severe mental illness, average age 47.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.000
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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