Which factor increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia?

• A. Prolonged use of dopamine receptor blocking agents.
• B. Short-term stimulant use.
• C. Age under 12.
• D. Concurrent benzodiazepine use.

Answer: (B)

Prolonged use of dopamine receptor blocking agents increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia. When dopamine D2 receptors in the basal ganglia are blocked for months or years, the brain compensates by increasing receptor sensitivity and changing dopamine signaling. This makes involuntary, repetitive movements more likely to emerge after extended treatment and can persist even after the medication is stopped.

Short-term stimulant use does not produce tardive dyskinesia in the same way, because it doesn’t involve long-term blockade of dopamine receptors in the same chronic way. Age under 12 is not a risk factor for tardive dyskinesia; the risk actually rises with age. Concurrent benzodiazepine use does not increase the risk and may even help manage symptoms in some cases.