Which condition involves involuntary movements of the facial muscles, tongue, and limbs as a potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic use?

Which condition involves involuntary movements of the facial muscles, tongue, and limbs as a potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic use?

• A. Akathisia
• B. Dystonia
• C. Tardive dyskinesia
• D. Pseudoparkinsonism

Answer: (C)

Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder caused by long-term antipsychotic use. It involves involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, mouth, and tongue (such as lip-smacking or grimacing) and can extend to the limbs and trunk. This pattern arises after extended exposure to dopamine receptor–blocking medications and is thought to reflect changes in dopamine signaling with receptor sensitization. It stands out from other drug-induced movements: akathisia is marked by inner restlessness and motor fidgeting rather than the facial and tongue movements; dystonia involves sudden, sustained muscle contractions causing abnormal postures; pseudoparkinsonism mimics Parkinson’s disease with slowed movements, rigidity, and tremor but not the characteristic orofacial and limb dyskinesias.

Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder caused by long-term antipsychotic use. It involves involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, mouth, and tongue (such as lip-smacking or grimacing) and can extend to the limbs and trunk. This pattern arises after extended exposure to dopamine receptor–blocking medications and is thought to reflect changes in dopamine signaling with receptor sensitization. It stands out from other drug-induced movements: akathisia is marked by inner restlessness and motor fidgeting rather than the facial and tongue movements; dystonia involves sudden, sustained muscle contractions causing abnormal postures; pseudoparkinsonism mimics Parkinson’s disease with slowed movements, rigidity, and tremor but not the characteristic orofacial and limb dyskinesias.