This post was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), October 5-11, is an important time to highlight the need for routine screenings by health care providers for drug-induced movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia (TD) in people who have taken antipsychotic medications.

This is especially significant considering that more than 60 million adults in the United States live with a mental health condition. Individuals who have taken antipsychotic medication, which may have been used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, are encouraged to speak to their health care provider about routine monitoring for potential symptoms of TD.

TD is an involuntary movement disorder, characterized by uncontrolled movements of the face, torso, limbs, fingers, and toes. It is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the U.S., with approximately 60% remaining undiagnosed. Certain prescription medicines (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) used to treat gastrointestinal disorders may also cause TD.

There are treatment options for TD, and routine screenings are essential for timely detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Screening is recommended at least every 12 months for those at risk of developing TD, and every six months for those at high risk, such as those who are aged 55 and older or have a mood disorder.

Below are ways to help you prepare for your next routine health screening for earlier recognition and treatment of TD.

1. Recognize TD movements

Those living with TD may experience mild, moderate, or severe involuntary body movements. The abnormal and repetitive movements associated with TD may be rapid and jerky or slow and writhing and may present as lip smacking, puckering or pursing, tongue darting or protrusion, excessive blinking, jaw chewing, clenching or side-to-side movements, or twisting or dancing fingers and toes.

2. Understand the impact of TD

Those experiencing uncontrolled movements of TD can feel impacted physically, socially, and emotionally. The impact of TD was highlighted in a recent Harris Poll survey, where, out of the 150 patients surveyed*:

  • 43% had asked someone to help with doing daily activities as a result of their TD symptoms.
  • 86% agreed that their movements made them feel judged or stared at.
  • 56% avoided others/going out in public.

TD movements may cause people to feel judged and ashamed, adding to a sense of worry, isolation, and stigma.

3. Be transparent with your health care provider about the impact of TD movements

It is important to keep a list of your symptoms and where and how often they occur leading up to an appointment with your provider. Note the medication you are taking. Share the physical, social, and emotional impact involuntary movements have on your life to help determine the best treatment plan for you.

To learn more about TD, living with TD, and how to treat TD, visit TalkAboutTD.com.

*The Harris Poll Base: The TD patient survey was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Neurocrine Biosciences. The survey included 150 patients with mild/moderate TD (n=112) or severe TD (n=87) aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with TD by a health care provider. The survey was conducted from December 12, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

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