Abnormal involuntary movements in neuroleptic-naive children and adolescents

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and identify risk factors for abn ormal involuntary movements in a well-characterized community sample of neu roleptic-naive children and adolescents. Method: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was administered to 390 subjects aged 3-17 years who were in foster care. Additional instrument s were used to assess intellect and behaviour problems. Results.' A total 12.6% of subjects had at least I rating of "mild" movemen ts on AIMS; these included. 4.1% with at least 2 ratings of "mild" or 2 of "moderate" severity. Significant risk factors for movement disorder were yo unger age, lower ICL and more severe behaviour problems. The abnormal movem ents were usually orofacial, and the affected subjects were generally unawa re of these movements. Conclusion: The base prevalence of abnormal involuntary movements must be c onsidered in children and adolescents assessed for medication in order to d etermine the true rate of motor side effects.