AIMS: Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale

The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is the standard clinical rating scale for assessing tardive dyskinesia, a iatrogenic movement disorder resulting from chronic antipsychotic medication exposure. Developed by the National Institute of Mental Health in 1976, the 12-item scale systematically measures involuntary movements across facial, oral, limb, and trunk regions. The AIMS is mandatory screening tool for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy and essential for monitoring antipsychotic-associated movement complications.