Tardive Dyskinesia in a Developmentally Disabled Population: Manifestation During the Initial Stage of a Minimal Effective Dose Program

Forty individuals who were withdrawn from neuroleptic medication after the initiation of a minimal effective dose program at a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities were evaluated. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) was assessed using the Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale (DISCUS). Half of the participants being treated with neuroleptic medication (N) were also being treated with anticonvulsant medication (AC), so 2 withdrawal groups were formed. The N only group manifested an increase in DISCUS scores after the withdrawal of neuroleptic medication, but the N + AC group did not. On the basis of this intriguing new finding, it was speculated that treatment with anticonvlusant medication might prevent the development or suppress the expression of TD.