What are extrapyramidal symptoms and how to control them

One of the most common problems that can occur in people who consume medications are extrapyramidal symptoms. The side effects of certain drugs can cause problems in the development of daily activities in various areas of life. This set of difficulties has a negative impact on the functioning of the body due to the alterations that occur in this regard. For this reason, the brain structures make up one of the most important roles for the human being, since they account for a particular way of living reality. Suffering these consequences is not something easy to assimilate and it becomes necessary to have valuable resources to deal with them adequately. Although the intensity varies according to each case, it is possible to establish criteria to achieve relief and move through life with greater harmony.

In this Psychology-Online article we explain what are extrapyramidal symptoms and how to control them.

Index

1. What are extrapyramidal symptoms
2. Causes of extrapyramidal symptoms
3. Types of extrapyramidal symptoms
4. Treatment of extrapyramidal symptoms

Extrapyramidal symptoms are those bodily manifestations that occur due to the side effects of antipsychotic medications. In more specific terms, this type of problem receives this name because there is a neuronal circuit dysfunction that make up the pyramidal system of the central nervous system. This area is linked to the regulation of voluntary body movements.

Since it is a neural dysregulation, the effects that occur consist of involuntary sensations and movements. However, in order to establish a correct diagnosis and a predictable clinical picture, a series of diagnostic criteria must be met:

• Link Between Intake of Psychiatric Medications and After Effects: the evaluation of the observable symptoms makes it possible to detect the presence of extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Onset and duration: the initial moment and the persistence time of the bodily manifestations are taken into account.
• Absence of medical factors: the alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders and/or the intake of other medications.

Knowing the possible origins of these side effects is essential to be able to establish an accurate diagnosis. Next, we will talk about the causes of extrapyramidal symptoms:

• neurological factors: among the best known, the inhibition of dopamine receptors stands out. Since this neurotransmitter has a fundamental role in the regulation and control of movement, a deficiency of it can cause motor difficulties. On the other hand, alterations in serotonin levels and the cholinergic system are responsible for extrapyramidal symptoms. Here we explain How to increase dopamine.
• situational factors: the abrupt suspension of medications can produce the symptoms of the extrapyramidal system. In turn, the overdose of some psychotropic drug generates dysregulation in the body and affects involuntary movements.

To provide greater clarity to the explored area, it is transcendental to address the classification that exists within the problem. In this section, we will describe the types of extrapyramidal symptoms:

• dystonia: These are muscle contractions that cause rigid postures. This occurs in any sector of the body without any prior warning, the upper body being more frequent.
• parkinsonism: include tremors, slow movements and muscle rigidity. In turn, it receives this name for sharing the clinical presentation of Parkinson's disease. By way of example, it is possible to see that the person has difficulties writing due to their tremors.
• bradypsychia: consists of thoughts that require a great effort in situations that would imply a quick resolution.
• dyskinesia: These are sudden and involuntary facial movements. In some cases, they can take years to manifest even if there is an underlying disease. For example, dyskinesia occurs when a person makes stereotypical gestures such as frowning without any motivation.
• akathisia: This symptom implies an inability to stop movements of various parts of the body. However, this symptomatology is global because people with akathisia have serious problems staying still.

Despite this description, it is essential to know that the isolated presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily imply a neurological condition. Therefore, the clinical evaluation must be carried out by a specialized mental health professional.

Despite the complexities that these alterations give rise to, there are some approaches that represent significant relief. In the following items, we will develop the treatments for extrapyramidal symptoms:

• drug therapy: follow-up by a mental health professional helps to regulate the intake of antipsychotic medications in order to avoid negative consequences for life. In some cases, the suspension or progressive reduction of certain drugs, offering replacements that mitigate the patient's problems and do not generate harmful effects.
• occupational therapy: this approach helps to coordinate motor skills and body posture of affected patients. This is done through practical exercises that are repeated during a certain period of sessions.
• psychological therapy: Arming strategies to combat discomfort allows us to cope with stress and/or anxiety situations in a more pleasant way.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What are extrapyramidal symptoms and how to control them, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

• Tibaduiza Mogollón, Y.A., Miranda Díaz, A.J. (2019). Extrapyramidalism due to antiemetics. Medical Magazine, 27 (2), 63-72.