What term describes movement disorders that are induced by drugs?

The term that describes movement disorders induced by drugs is extrapyramidal symptoms. These symptoms are often associated with the use of antipsychotic medications, particularly first-generation antipsychotics, which can interfere with the normal functioning of the extrapyramidal system—the part of the central nervous system that coordinates movement.

Extrapyramidal symptoms encompass a range of movement-related side effects, including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, which mimic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. These reactions occur due to the blockage of dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia, which plays a critical role in the regulation of smooth and coordinated muscle movements.

While akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, and dystonia are specific types of movement disorders that can also be classified under extrapyramidal symptoms, they represent more narrowly defined conditions. Akathisia is a state of restlessness and an urgent need for movement; tardive dyskinesia involves repetitive, involuntary movements often occurring after long-term use of antipsychotics, and dystonia is characterized by sustained muscle contractions. However, extrapyramidal symptoms is the overarching term encompassing these various movement disorders induced by drugs.