Researchers of a study focused on understanding the long-term course and outcome of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in patients with schizophrenia of European and African descent, who were previously or currently on first-generation antipsychotic agents. The study involved 1149 patients diagnosed with persistent TD, evaluated using the MPRC Scale for Involuntary Movements. These patients were followed for 1 to 10 years to assess the progression of TD after implementing recommendations like reducing the dose of first-generation antipsychotics or switching to second-generation antipsychotics.

The follow-up data, which included 528 patients, revealed significant interactions between ethnicity and TD. It was found that European American patients showed more improvement in TD over time compared with African American patients, even after adjusting for variables such as age, change in antipsychotic drug dose, and duration of follow-up. These results suggest that ethnicity, particularly African descent, may not only be a risk factor for the development of TD but also a predictor of a poorer course of the condition. This indicates the need for tailored treatment strategies and monitoring based on patient ethnicity to better manage TD.

Reference: Wonodi I, Adami HM, Cassady SL, Sherr JD, Avila MT, Thaker GK. Ethnicity and the course of tardive dyskinesia in outpatients presenting to the motor disorders clinic at the Maryland psychiatric research center. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004 Dec;24(6):592-8. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000144888.43449.54.