What condition should be monitored for in patients who are taking antipsychotic medications?

Tardive dyskinesia is a significant and often challenging condition to monitor for in patients who are on antipsychotic medications, particularly those who are treated with typical antipsychotics. This neurological disorder is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, typically affecting the face, tongue, and limbs. It may develop after long-term use of these medications, and its onset can be subtle and insidious, making regular monitoring essential for early detection and management.

Patients taking antipsychotics might not readily recognize the early symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, as they can be mistaken for other side effects or even attributed to underlying mental health conditions. Hence, healthcare professionals need to conduct thorough assessments and regularly evaluate the patient's movement patterns throughout the course of treatment. Recognizing these movements early allows for potential interventions, such as dosage adjustments or switching medications, to mitigate the risk of progression.

Other conditions, while they may have relevance in monitoring patients on antipsychotics, don't carry the same level of urgency or consequence as tardive dyskinesia. For instance, increased appetite or weight gain could be side effects of the medication but are more manageable compared to the long-term implications of tardive dyskinesia. Severe insomnia can occur