Why Do the AIMS?

Explanation: The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia states that clinical assessment of akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, and other abnormal involuntary movements, including tardive dyskinesia, should be conducted at baseline and at every visit thereafter.¹ The guideline also states that assessment with a structured instrument, such as the AIMS, should be conducted at a minimum of every 6 months in patients at high risk of TD and at least every 12 months in other patients, as well as if a new onset or exacerbation of preexisting movements is detected at any visit.¹