The Nithsdale Schizophrenia survey: II. Abnormal movements.

In a review of all known schizophrenics (n = 133) from a discrete geographical area, Nithsdale in Dumfries and Galloway Region, 88 per cent were examined for evidence of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and parkinsonism. The prevalence of both TD and parkinsonism was 31 per cent. The TD group was older and more often showed negative schizophrenic symptoms than the non-TD group. The trend was towards a higher prevalence among in-patients and Feighner positive schizophrenics. Parkinsonism was common in patients receiving anti-parkinsonian drugs. Ten per cent of patients had both TD and parkinsonism. The findings will act as a baseline for regular reassessment of the population.