What tool is commonly used to monitor tardive dyskinesia severity over time?

• A. Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).
• B. PHQ-9.
• C. MMSE.
• D. PANSS.

Answer: (A)

Monitoring tardive dyskinesia over time relies on a tool that specifically rates abnormal involuntary movements across multiple body regions. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale does exactly that: clinicians score facial, oral, extremity, and trunk movements using a standardized system, and repeat assessments show whether the movements are worsening, stable, or improving as treatment changes occur. This focused, repeatable measurement makes it possible to track the course of tardive dyskinesia over weeks or months and to gauge responses to interventions or medication adjustments.

The other tools measure different domains: one screens depressive symptoms, another assesses cognitive function, and the last evaluates broader schizophrenia symptomatology. They don’t provide a targeted, ongoing rating of motor abnormalities, so they’re not as suitable for monitoring tardive dyskinesia severity over time.