Responsibility and compensation for tardive dyskinesia

Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Jul;142(7):806-10. doi: 10.1176/ajp.142.7.806.

Abstract

Lawsuits seeking compensation for the suffering caused by tardive dyskinesia are becoming more common. Although most mental health professionals view the problem in the context of malpractice litigation, tardive dyskinesia is an example of a "mass accident," for which there are a number of judicially created remedies. These remedies include placing liability on manufacturers, asking society as a whole to bear the burden, and allowing patients with tardive dyskinesia to continue to carry the costs of their injuries. In attempting to influence policy in this area, psychiatrists should be sensitive to the implications of any policy for patient care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Compensation and Redress*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Drug Industry / standards
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / economics
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / etiology*
  • Financing, Government / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Jurisprudence*
  • Malpractice
  • Mentally Ill Persons*
  • Patient Advocacy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Social Justice
  • United States

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents