Should primary care physicians (PCPs) conduct an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) exam on all patients taking antipsychotics?
PCPs should be aware of and monitor patients for these side effects. Whether they should conduct a full AIMS assessment and score it on a rating scale is a matter of individual preference. There is no standard of care that requires it; however, monitoring patients for side effects is certainly required and is part of the current standard of care. When prescribing a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) or a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA), PCPs should indicate that there is the potential for developing neurologic side effects such as EPS or tardive dyskinesia. At follow-up visits, patients should be examined for such side effects, particularly during the drug initiation and dose escalation period. PCPs should examine patients for EPS and at some frequency for tardive dyskinesia. EPS should be evaluated at every clinic visit. However, once patients have been on a medication at a stable dose for a period of time and have not exhibited symptoms, the frequency of examining for EPS can
