Despite the introduction of atypical antipsychotics, which carry a lower risk for parkinsonian symptoms, tardive dyskinesia (TD) has not been eradicated, as risk persists across all dopamine antagonists and partial agonists. To gain a deeper, data-driven perspective on the trajectory of TD research, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using Web of Science data from 1968 to 2021, incorporating tools like VOSviewer and CiteSpace. This review identified key trends, influential authors, leading institutions, and thematic clusters within the scientific literature on TD.

Findings revealed a surge in TD publications during the 1990s, with research focusing on its pathophysiology and comparative risks between typical and atypical antipsychotics. More recent trends highlight renewed interest in treatment options, particularly with the FDA approval of VMAT-2 inhibitors such as valbenazine and deutetrabenazine in 2017. Emerging themes include the role of serotonergic receptors, deep brain stimulation, pharmacogenetics, dopamine supersensitivity psychosis, and motor dysfunction as an intrinsic feature of psychotic disorders. This scientometric analysis not only traces the evolution of TD research but also serves as a valuable roadmap for clinicians and investigators seeking to navigate, contribute to, or collaborate within this specialized field.

Reference: Baminiwatta A, Correll CU. Historical developments, hotspots, and trends in tardive dyskinesia research: a scientometric analysis of 54 years of publications. Front Psychiatry. 2023;14:1194222. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1194222.