May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Those living with a mental health condition and taking certain mental health medicines, known as antipsychotics, for a prolonged period of time may develop or already have tardive dyskinesia, or TD, an involuntary movement disorder. The first week of May (1-7) is TD Awareness Week and this year marks the sixth consecutive year the mental health advocacy community and states across the country have recognized the awareness week.
TD is associated with prolonged use of dopamine receptor blocking agents including antipsychotics that are used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.
While 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. Approximately 70%—or 7 out of 10 people living with TD—have not yet been diagnosed.
Mild, moderate, or severe TD movements can occur in one or more spots in the body. They are often seen in the face, torso, limbs, and fingers or toes. Involuntary movements associated with TD may be rapid and jerky or slow and writhing and present as:
• lip smacking
• puckering or pursing
• tongue darting or protrusion
• excessive blinking
• jaw chewing, clenching, or side-to-side movements
• twisting or dancing fingers and toes
The uncontrollable movements of TD can impact patients physically, socially, and emotionally, including one’s ability to work, drive, button a shirt, or even hold a cup of coffee. People living with TD may also feel judged, ashamed, and misunderstood, and the disorder can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability, embarrassment, and frustration.
It’s important that people taking antipsychotic medication be monitored for drug-induced movement disorders, or DIMDs, such as TD. They should schedule regular, in-person appointments with their doctor for a physical assessment and visual exam.
On Wednesday, April 26th, Dr. Gus Alva, MD, DFAPA. will be available to discuss the physical, emotional, and social impact of TD and mental health issues. He’ll also talk about the signs and symptoms of TD. A patient advocacy representative will join the doctor and provide insight on the importance of raising awareness of TD in support of the mental health community.
Interview courtesy: Neurocrine Biosciences. Inc.
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