The extended administration of neuroleptics, especially those of high poten
cy, is the essential etiologic factor in the development of tardive dyskine
sia (TD). Schizophrenic patients, almost all of whom receive neuroleptics t
o reduce psychotic symptoms, are therefore at risk for the development of T
D Tn this review of the literature, we propose that neuroleptic use is not
the sole risk factor for the emergence of TD. Rather, we attempt to demonst
rate that impairments of cognitive function play a role in the development
of TD. Furthermore, we show that this idea has explanatory value for unders
tanding higher rates of TD in the elderly.