ABSTRACT
Soon after the introduction of dopamine receptor blocking drugs (DRBs) in the early 1950s it was observed that dystonia could occur acutely with first exposure. It was later that a dystonic syndrome was recognized in association with the chronic use of DRBs, and later still that acute dystonic reactions were observed to occur with non-DRB prescription drugs and drugs of abuse. Dystonia associated with drug administration is now a common problem encountered in clinical practice. In this chapter we review current knowledge regarding the clinical features, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of acute dystonic reactions (ADRs) and tardive dystonia (TDT).
