What is the term for repetitive twisting or abnormal posture often linked with certain medications?

The term that refers to repetitive twisting or abnormal posture, often associated with certain medications, is dystonia. Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions, abnormal postures, or twisting movements. It can occur as a side effect of various medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs, and is notably linked to their effects on dopamine pathways in the brain.

In clinical practice, dystonia can present in various forms, including focal dystonias, which affect a specific part of the body, or generalized dystonias that impact multiple areas. This phenomenon is especially relevant when discussing the side effects of older antipsychotics, which can lead to such motor complications. By recognizing this, healthcare providers can better manage and adjust medication regimens to alleviate symptoms of dystonia when they arise.

The other terms mentioned refer to different phenomena. Akathisia, for instance, is characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in constant motion, rather than abnormal postures. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from excessive serotonin levels, typically due to drug interactions, and presents with symptoms like agitation, confusion, and autonomic instability. Atypical antipsychotics refer to a class of