An improvement in tardive dystonia in a patient who had received ECT for a schizophrenic psychosis is reported. The improvement suggests that the pathophysiology of tardive dystonia may involve neurotransmitter receptor changes similar to those seen in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a common and devastating illness. Patients with schizophrenia may develop many disabilities both due to the disease process as well as due to side effects of the medication used. There are many advances in the treatment of schizophrenia, which can effectively reduce many of these disabilities. Treatment of schizophrenia is a primary health care responsibility and thus all health care personnel need to equip themselves with the latest knowledge on management issues. This article outlines the current management issues in schizophrenia.