NEUROLEPTIC MEDICATION FOR DYSTONIA - RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEENEFFECTS ON MOTOR FUNCTION AND MOOD

Background. The presence of dysphoric symptoms associated with neurole ptic medication is commonly reported. Method. Neuroleptic treatment of a segmental dystonia resulted in a disabling depressive illness, whic h when treated with antidepressants led to the return of the involunta ry movements. Results. The use of several different antidepressants an d neuroleptics confirmed the association between drugs and symptoms. G enetic studies excluded ''poor metaboliser status'' as a reason for th e patient's sensitivity to these drugs. Conclusions. The case illustra tes a delicate imbalance between dose of neuroleptic medication and de pressive symptoms. We should be aware of the possibility of mood chang es in patients treated with neuroleptics for a variety of conditions.