Providing effective treatment of tardive dyskinesia

What is it about?

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a side effect of involuntary movements that occurs during treatment with antipsychotic medications. Recent approval of two new drugs related to tetrabenazine offers a safe and effective treatment of TD for the first time. But there is more to helping people with TD than simply prescribing these drugs. They should be used within a comprehensive approach to patient care that includes a practical screening and monitoring program to detect early cases, sensitive and specific criteria for the diagnosis of TD, awareness of the severity and impact of the disorder on patients' lives, informed discussions with patients and caregivers, and a rational basis for prescribing decisions about continued antipsychotic and adjunctive agents. More research and training are necessary to reduce barriers in providing effective care and promoting patient safety.

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Why is it important?

Tardive dyskinesia remains an important problem as a side effect of medications. Although new medications have been approved to reduce symptoms of TD, it is important to recognize that effective management and proper use of these new drugs requires a much broader awareness of clinical aspects of TD and its relationship to patient quality of life and use of concurrent antipsychotic medications.

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