Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 2 February 2010
By Pamela L. Lindsey, DNSc, RN; Jessica Mehalic, BS
ABSTRACT
Rabbit syndrome (RS) is an involuntary movement disorder
characterized by rapid, fine movements of an individual’s mouth, similar
to the chewing movements of a rabbit, and has most frequently been associated
with the use of antipsychotic medications. RS is often unrecognized or
misdiagnosed as tardive dyskinesia or pseudoparkinsonism. Although rare, RS is
easily treatable if recognized. It is essential that nurses are able to
distinguish this syndrome from other movement disorders; however, a lack of
information exists in the nursing literature about this syndrome. The aims of
this article are to describe the clinical symptoms of RS, its prevalence and
etiology, and recommended treatment. Clinical and educational implications
regarding RS are also provided.
AUTHORS
Dr. Lindsey is Undergraduate Program Director and
Assistant Professor, and Ms. Mehalic is Research Assistant, Illinois State
University Mennonite College of Nursing, Normal, Illinois.
The authors disclose that they have no significant
financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or
indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Pamela L. Lindsey, DNSc, RN,
Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Professor, Illinois State
University Mennonite College of Nursing, Campus Box 5810, Normal, IL 61790;
e-mail: pllinds@ilstu.edu.
Received: May 28, 2009
Accepted: October 29, 2009
Posted: January 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091204-02
