Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Overview
NAMI McHenry County is grateful to NAMI National and Neurocrine Biosciences for supporting our new initiative to raise awareness of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). Please read on for more information.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)?
TD is a persistent, involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, and fingers or toes.1-4 These involuntary movements may be rapid and jerky or slow and writhing. This can be disruptive and negatively impact people living with TD.5 TD is a chronic condition that is unlikely to improve without treatment.
What Causes TD?
TD is associated with prolonged use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.
What Are Risk Factors for TD?
Older Age (55 years and older)
Substance use disorder
Being postmenopausal
Could It Be TD?
It’s important that people who are taking antipsychotic medication be monitored by a healthcare provider for drug-induced movement disorders (DIMDs), such as TD. Periodic screenings for abnormal movements in people taking antipsychotic medication are essential for detection, proper diagnosis and appropriate management to help improve therapeutic outcomes.
If you have been taking antipsychotic medication for a while and are experiencing uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements, initiate a conversation with your healthcare provider. U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for TD are available.
How Does TD Affect Everyday Lives?
The uncontrollable movements of TD can negatively impact people physically, socially and emotionally. Even mild uncontrollable body movements from TD could have emotional and social consequences. These movements can cause worry, frustration and self-consciousness.
According to a survey, people with diagnosed or suspected TD (n = 250) reported the condition moderately or extremely affected them in the following three areas:
