AIMS
Also written as: AIMS — Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
Standardized rating scale for detecting and monitoring abnormal involuntary movements.
Full Definition
The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is a 12-item clinician-rated assessment tool used to detect and monitor tardive dyskinesia and other medication-induced movement disorders in patients receiving antipsychotic medications. The scale evaluates facial and oral movements, extremity movements, and trunk movements, with ratings from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). Regular AIMS assessments are considered standard practice for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy and are often required by institutional policies and regulatory guidelines.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as acronym; mandatory assessment tool in many psychiatric settings.
In Context
- "Monthly AIMS assessments showed no evidence of tardive dyskinesia development." — medication monitoring report
- "The AIMS score increased from 2 to 6 over the past six months, indicating worsening dyskinesia." — side effect evaluation