A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EXTRAPYRAMIDAL SYMPTOMS AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS IN SELECTED PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, CHENNAI

Background: Antipsychotic medications are a cornerstone in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders; however, their use is frequently associated with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which are distressing drug-induced movement disorders. This study is significant as it aims to assess the prevalence and severity of extrapyramidal symptoms among patients receiving antipsychotic drugs, thereby providing valuable data for mental health professionals.

Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to assess the level of extrapyramidal symptoms among patients receiving antipsychotic drugs and to determine the association between extrapyramidal symptoms with the selected demographic variables such as age, gender, Educational status, Marital status, Occupation, Income, Episode of Mental Illness, duration and regular medications among patients receiving antipsychotic drugs.

Methods: A quantitative approach using a descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Using a Purposive sampling technique, 30 inpatients at selected psychiatric hospital in Chennai were recruited. Data were collected using a structured 5-point Simpson Angus Scale / Extrapyramidal side effect Rating Scale consisting of 10 items designed to measure the Parkinsonism symptoms of rigidity, tremor, akinesia and salivation, multiple version of the scale are in existence. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chisquare). 

Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the participants 22 (73.3%) had extra pyramidal syndrome and eight (26.67%) had no extrapyramidal syndrome after receiving Anti-psychotic drugs. The mean score for extrapyramidal syndrome among patients receiving Anti – psychotic drugs was 41.68 (SD ± 0.407). Among demographic variables, occupation showed a statistically significant association with extrapyramidal syndrome among patients with Anti-psychotic drug (p < 0.05), Whereas age, gender, educational status, marital status, income, episode of mental illness, duration and regular medications did not show a significant influence on the extrapyramidal syndrome at the level of p>0.05.

Conclusion: The study concludes that, majority of patients receiving Anti-psychotic drug had extrapyramidal syndrome. Therefore, the findings of this study identified the prevalence of antipsychotic-induced EPSEs was considerably high. This will help nurses, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers to develop early screening, monitoring, and preventive strategies for EPS.