The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.45.1.38

Objective: In a previous study of outpatients with chronic mental illness who were treated with neuroleptic medication, the authors found a higher incidence of tardive dyskinesia among blacks than among whites. in this study the authors examined psychosocial, clinical, treatment, and medical correlates of race that might explain this finding. Methods: Extensive baseline data were obtained for 398 outpatients at risk for tardive dyskinesia. Pearson and Mantel-Haenszel chi square analyses were used to determine significant associations between a large number of variables and race. Results and discussion: Compared with whites, nonwhites were more likely to be younger, less skilled, and unmarried; to report contacts with relatives outside the home; to have a diagnosis of schizopbrenia; and to receive higher doses of neuroleptic drugs primarily through depot medications. Non-whites were less likely to receive nonneuroleptic psychotropics, to wear dentures, and to report social contact with fathers. None of these racial differences explained more than a trivial portion of the association between race and the incidence of tardive dyskinesia. Conclusions: These results suggest the need for studies of differences in diagnostic and prescribing practices for black and white patients and of differences in the action and side effects of neuroleptics.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.