USE OF CLOZAPINE IN TARDIVE DYSTONIA

1. This open clinical trial (N=7) measured the course of severe tardiv e dystonia in chronic psychiatric patients after discontinuation of ne uroleptics and subsequent use of clozapine. 2. The dystonia was regula rly assessed using the Fahn-Marsden Rating Scale. The eventual concomi tant tardive dyskinesia was assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Mo vement Scale. The mean follow up was 103 weeks. 3. The results for the tardive dystonia: four patients recovered totally, two improved consi derably and one did not recover. 4. The results for the concomitant ta rdive dyskinesia: five of the seven patients had also dyskinesia, one patient had a total, two a partly remission, one had a very fluctuatin g course, and one patient worsened. Another patient developed dyskines ia. 5. It is suggested to consider clozapine for patients with tardive dystonia who have to continue antipsychotic treatment.