THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF CLOZAPINE ON TARDIVE-DYSKINESIA

Neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) negatively impacts the qua lity of life for persons with schizophrenia. While no satisfactory tre atment is available for TD, a growing body of literature suggests the efficacy of clozapine in reducing TD. This paper describes the efficac y of clozapine in reducing TD in relation to the variables of treatmen t duration and dosage. Eighteen schizophrenic patients were categorize d as with and five as without probable TD, and a pattern of reversible decrease in severity of TD on higher doses was found. The importance of this information for behaviorally oriented psychiatrists, psycholog ists, social workers, and nurses who work with the serious mentally il l is emphasized. Because of their strong scientific training and their roles as treatment team leaders, behavioral clinicians need to unders tand these new findings and disseminate them to mental health treatmen t teams. Combining this information with cognitive and behavioral inte rventions should lead to improved outcomes, less serious side effects, and improved quality of life for schizophrenic and schizoaffectively disordered patients.