What are symptoms of parkinsonism as a side effect of antipsychotics?

What are symptoms of parkinsonism as a side effect of antipsychotics?

• A. Increased appetite and weight gain
• B. Rigidity and shuffling gait
• C. Elevated mood and energy
• D. Impaired memory and cognitive decline

Answer: (B)

Parkinsonism as a side effect of antipsychotics is primarily characterized by motor symptoms that resemble those of Parkinson's disease. The hallmark symptoms include rigidity, which refers to the stiffness of muscles that limits range of motion, and a shuffling gait, which is a tendency to walk with small steps and reduced arm swing. These symptoms arise due to the dopamine-blocking effects of certain antipsychotic medications, particularly those that are classified as typical antipsychotics. Other options do not accurately represent the symptoms associated with parkinsonism. Increased appetite and weight gain are more commonly associated with other medications or conditions and are not indicative of parkinsonism. Elevated mood and energy would suggest an improvement in mental health rather than a side effect of antipsychotics. Impaired memory and cognitive decline can occur in some patients on antipsychotics, but they are not the defining features of parkinsonism. Thus, rigidity and shuffling gait are the specific symptoms that correctly identify parkinsonism as a side effect associated with the use of antipsychotic medications.

Parkinsonism as a side effect of antipsychotics is primarily characterized by motor symptoms that resemble those of Parkinson's disease. The hallmark symptoms include rigidity, which refers to the stiffness of muscles that limits range of motion, and a shuffling gait, which is a tendency to walk with small steps and reduced arm swing. These symptoms arise due to the dopamine-blocking effects of certain antipsychotic medications, particularly those that are classified as typical antipsychotics.

Other options do not accurately represent the symptoms associated with parkinsonism. Increased appetite and weight gain are more commonly associated with other medications or conditions and are not indicative of parkinsonism. Elevated mood and energy would suggest an improvement in mental health rather than a side effect of antipsychotics. Impaired memory and cognitive decline can occur in some patients on antipsychotics, but they are not the defining features of parkinsonism. Thus, rigidity and shuffling gait are the specific symptoms that correctly identify parkinsonism as a side effect associated with the use of antipsychotic medications.