Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness
Q & A
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
TD is an involuntary movement disorder
that is characterized by uncontrolled movements of the face, torso, limbs and fingers or toes.
aka TD
What is the Cause of TD?
TD is associated with the use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
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Lip smacking, puckering, or chewing motions
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Tongue sticking out or moving uncontrollably
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Rapid blinking
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Facial grimacing
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Finger, hand, or foot movements
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Rocking or swaying of the body
Symptoms often appear after months or years of medication use and may persist even after stopping the medication.
What are some
symptoms of TD?
Living with TD
Living with TD can often affect many areas of an individuals life, not just at home. It is important to notice the symptoms as early as possible.
As a caregiver, you will have the ability to recognize the symptoms of TD and encourage communication between your loved one a physician regarding these symptoms. But, sometimes we don't always see them at first; we can still help by learning about questions and concerns and helping navigate those conversations.