RATING-SCALE FOR TARDIVE-DYSKINESIA

A rating scale for tardive dyskinesia was developed, consisting of nearly all signs seen by 2 groups of investigators over a 5 yr period. Some 34 items were included in the scale with a possibility of writing in idiosyncratic signs. The scale was shown to have good reliability and validity in studies carried out in humans. It is recommended as a suitable instrument for describing the breadth of tardive dyskinesia syndrome and also for quantifying the disorder. A 2nd scale, the abbreviated dyskinesia scale, contains 13 items which are more global than the items in the original scale. It was apparently both reliable and valid. Its use is suited to situations requiring less extensively detailed assessments. [Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of psychotropic drug use.].