What is the term for repetitive involuntary movements that can occur with antipsychotic medications?

• A. Rash
• B. Tardive dyskinesia
• C. Headache
• D. Nausea

Answer: (B)

Long-term use of antipsychotic medications can lead to tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, mouth, and tongue, and sometimes the limbs. These movements are often choreiform and may include lip-smacking, tongue protrusion, grimacing, or other involuntary motions. The trickiness of this condition lies in its delayed onset—typically appearing after months or years of treatment—due to chronic blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway, which over time can cause receptor changes and abnormal motor activity. This is different from acute reactions that can occur soon after starting treatment, such as dystonia, akathisia, or parkinsonism. The other options—rash, headache, and nausea—are general symptoms but do not describe the specific repetitive involuntary movements seen with tardive dyskinesia.