Which class of medications used to treat schizophrenia can produce Parkinson-like symptoms and tardive dyskinesia as side effects?

• A. Antianxiety drugs
• B. Antidepressant drugs
• C. Antipsychotic drugs (neuroleptics)
• D. ECT

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that certain medications used to treat schizophrenia can cause movement problems because they block dopamine in brain pathways that control movement. Antipsychotic drugs, especially the older or typical ones, block D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway. This dopamine blockade reduces motor activity and can produce Parkinson-like symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and slowed movements. With long-term use, these changes can lead to tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of involuntary, repetitive movements (often of the face, tongue, or limbs) that can persist even after stopping the drug.

The other options don’t typically produce this classic set of movement disorders. Antianxiety drugs mainly cause sedation and dependency issues. Antidepressants may have a range of side effects but are not known for causing the Parkinsonian motor syndrome as a primary effect. ECT is a treatment option and can have cognitive side effects, but it does not cause Parkinson-like symptoms through receptor blockade.