Importance of recognizing stereotypy in an adult patient

What is the importance of recognizing stereotypy in an adult patient? 

Stereotypy is defined as a seemingly purposeful, coordinated, but involuntary, repetitive, ritualistic gesture, mannerism, posture, or utterance.

Examples of stereotypies include repetitive grimacing, lip smacking, tongue protruding, and chewing movements.

The tongue also may move laterally in the mouth (“bon-bon sign”).

In addition, patients with Tardive Dyskinesias, the most common form of adult-onset stereotypy, often exhibit head bobbing, body rocking, leg crossing and uncrossing, picking at clothing, shifting weight, and marching in place.

Stereotypy is the most common form of Tardive Dyskinesia (78% of cases).

The second most common form of Tardive Dyskinesia is dystonia (75% of patients).

The presence of stereotypies in an adult without mental retardation or untreated schizophrenia strongly suggests the diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia, especially in association with other movement disorders commonly present in Tardive Dyskinesia (akathisia, tremor, myoclonus, chorea, and tics).

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