To determine the prevalence and correlates of tardive dyskinesia among Filipino patients with Schizophrenia admitted at the National Center for Mental Health.

Case-control observational study

Total study sample size was determined using the value of p (proportion of interest) equal to worldwide incidence of tardive dyskinesia that is 20%. A total of 227 (110 males and 117 females) our of the 917 Filipino patients fulfilling the DSM IV criteria for schizophrenia were randomly recruited in the study. Schooler and Kane's diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale was employed. Odds ratio was computed to show the odds of developing tardive dyskinesia in relation to the variables included. Correlation between variables and development of tardive dyskinesia was also evaluated using Pearson's coefficient.

Among the 227 patients sampled, the prevalence rate was 20.26% (46 patients). Tardive dyskinesia was noted more in females and older age groups. Other risks factors significantly correlated with tardive dyskinesia include patients with a negative smoking history, those who underwent electroconvulsive therapy, with longer duration of illness and longer cumulative exposure to neuroleptic drugs. There was no association established with regard to the presence of diabetes mellitus and use of anticholinergic use due paucity of sample who had diabetes and due to irregular intake of the anticholinergics.