AIMS
Also written as: AIMS — Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
A standardized rating scale used to assess involuntary movements associated with tardive dyskinesia.
Full Definition
The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is a clinician-administered assessment tool consisting of 12 items that evaluate involuntary movements in seven body areas. Developed specifically for monitoring tardive dyskinesia in patients receiving antipsychotic medications, AIMS provides standardized criteria for rating movement severity and tracking changes over time. Regular AIMS assessments are considered standard of care in long-term antipsychotic treatment and are often required by institutional protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize; distinguish from other psychiatric rating scales in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Monthly AIMS evaluations revealed no significant movement abnormalities." — Psychiatric progress note
- "The AIMS score increased from 2 to 7 over the six-month observation period." — Clinical research report