It's Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and because Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is associated with prolonged use of certain mental health medicines (antipsychotics), the first week of May is recognized as #TDAwarenessWeek.

We want to help spread awareness about TD, to help those who live with the disorder feel less alone, and help us all learn more about it. Read on for more information about TD.

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

TD is an involuntary movement disorder, characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts. It is often caused by prolonged use of certain mental health medications (antipsychotics).

What causes TD?

Prolonged use of antipsychotics is thought to result in too much dopamine activity in the brain, which could lead to uncontrolled body movements known as TD. These medicines may have been prescribed to treat one of the following conditions:

• Depression

• Schizoaffective disorder

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

Other prescription medicines used to treat upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting may also cause TD.

What does TD look like?

The movements associated with TD can include repetitive hand or foot movements, rocking of the torso, lip smacking, grimacing, tongue protrusion, facial movements, or blinking, as well as puckering of the lips.

How common is TD?

TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. Approximately 70% of patients living with TD have not yet been diagnosed.

What are risk factors for TD?

• Older age (55+)

• Substance Use Disorder

• Being postmenopausal

How is TD diagnosed?

It is important that people who are taking antipsychotic medication be monitored for drug-induced movement disorders (DIMDs), such as TD. Screenings for DIMDs should include a physical assessment using a tool, such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale exam, and visual examination of the body. This can help diagnose DIMDs and determine next steps to finding the right treatment plan.

The American Psychiatric Association 2020 guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia recommend screening for TD at least every 6 months in high-risk patients, and every 12 months in others at risk of developing TD.

What is the possible impact of TD?

TD can impact patients physically, socially, and emotionally. Patients may:

• Experience difficulties with daily activities due to uncontrolled movements of TD

• Feel embarrassed or judged by others

• Withdraw from society and isolate themselves

Read more about TD below, and learn more at TalkAboutTD.com.