Heterogeneous tardive syndromes are still treatable with quetiapine

Abstract

This article presents a case of classical tardive dyskinesia, apparent since at least 1997 when tetrabenazine and clonazepam were prescribed to the patient in addition to risperidone. However, the patient's mental health had been well controlled until sudden cessation of risperidone and the subsequent development of severe classical tardive dyskinesia, tardive dystonia and tardive tics. The authors describe the proposed pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia, the impure nature of tardive syndromes, the underdiagnosis of tardive tics but eventual successful treatment with quetiapine.