Study Reveals Overprescription of Benztropine for Movement Disorders, Urges Better Guideline Adherence
Benztropine, an anticholinergic medication, is prescribed short-term for drug-induced movement disorders but can worsen tardive dyskinesia symptoms. Researchers of a study analyzed a large US medical claims database, identifying over 100,000 patients who began benztropine treatment between 2017-2020, and surveyed 350 healthcare providers about their prescribing habits.
Study Highlights Challenges in Treating Tardive Dyskinesia in Japan
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) significantly impacts patients’ daily life activities and quality of life. Several risk factors for TD have been identified, including older age, female gender, prolonged use and higher doses of antipsychotics, a history of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and the use of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). Although second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) pose a lower risk, it still exists. Polypharmacy and mood disorders further increase the risk of TD; however, there is limited data on TD in Japan.
Exploring the Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia on Physical and Psychological Well-Being
This brief video explores tardive dyskinesia (TD) and its profound effects on both physical and psychological well-being. Involuntary movements can cause localized pain and lead to feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety. These symptoms can diminish self-esteem, create feelings of hopelessness, and result in a loss of purpose. Social stigma further exacerbates these issues, as individuals with TD might be identified as mentally ill, affecting their mental health and leading to increased isolation.
Case Study Highlights Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Tardive Dyskinesia With Sensory Impairments
This case study examines the case of a 54-year-old male patient with a history of developmental delay, optic neuritis, hearing loss, and major depressive disorder, presenting with worsening ataxia, neck extension, eye-rolling, and dysarthric speech. Initially treated with atypical antipsychotics and later clozapine, his symptoms worsened, necessitating hospitalization and emphasizing the need for staff education on cochlear implant use.
Addressing Withdrawal-Emergent Dyskinesia: Urgent Need for Better Management and Research in Pediatric Psychiatry
Withdrawal-emergent dyskinesia (WED) is a movement disorder that can develop following the sudden stop or quick reduction of antipsychotic medications, typically resolving within weeks. Highlighted by a case of a 13-year-old experiencing reversible oral dyskinesia during neuroleptic withdrawal and stimulant titration, this scenario stresses the need for heightened awareness among clinicians of potential extrapyramidal symptoms and withdrawal effects. This awareness is essential in managing the rising prescription of these medications to treat diverse psychiatric disorders in youth, aiming to prevent and handle complications effectively.
Managing Tardive Dyskinesia: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Enhancing Daily Functioning and Quality of Life
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) presents challenges beyond its visible symptoms, impacting speech, swallowing, and mobility, thereby affecting daily functioning. While medication options such as VMAT inhibitors are available, holistic management often involves collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals like speech, physical, and occupational therapists. Speech therapists address hyperkinetic dysarthria, employing comprehensibility strategies to enhance communication and mitigate swallowing difficulties. Physical therapists focus on improving gait, balance, and body movements through personalized plans, utilizing techniques like repetition and sensory input enhancement. Occupational therapists aid in restoring functional abilities by adapting tasks and incorporating assistive devices tailored to individual needs, thereby enhancing independence in daily activities.
Study Reveals Tardive Dyskinesia Worsens Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia, With Gender-Specific Effects
In a study on cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia with tardive dyskinesia (TD), researchers found that TD exacerbates existing cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Particularly, patients with TD displayed worse cognitive performance, notably in visuospatial/constructional and attention domains, compared with those without TD. Notably, while male patients with TD exhibited significant cognitive impairments, this was not observed in female patients, suggesting a possible protective effect of female gender against TD and cognitive deficits, potentially linked to hormonal factors like estrogen.
Study Links Neuronal Degeneration in Tardive Dyskinesia to Brain Connectivity Changes Using MRI
Researchers investigated the role of neuronal degeneration in tardive dyskinesia (TD) by analyzing cerebral regional homogeneity (ReHo) using resting-state functional MRI in patients with schizophrenia, both with and without TD, and healthy controls. Significant ReHo variations were found in specific brain regions of patients with TD, indicating altered neural connectivity. These variations were correlated with the severity of TD symptoms, highlighting ReHo’s potential in understanding TD’s etiology and progression.
Unusual Case of Tardive Dyskinesia in Young Patient Raises Questions About Low-Dose Second-Generation Antipsychotics
A case presented a 28-year-old female with osteogenesis imperfecta and major depressive disorder with psychotic features, who developed tardive dyskinesia (TD) after taking a low-dose second-generation antipsychotic, risperidone (2 mg), for three months. Despite discontinuing risperidone and switching to quetiapine, her symptoms, including akathisia, dystonia, involuntary movements, and lip smacking, persisted, leading to a diagnosis of TD. This case is noteworthy as TD is less commonly reported with low-dose monotherapy of second-generation antipsychotics, especially in younger patients.
Evaluating the Susceptibility to Tardive Dyskinesia in Patients With Schizophrenia
In a study involving 216 patients with schizophrenia, researchers investigated the link between polymorphisms in oxidative stress-related genes and adenosine receptor gene with tardive dyskinesia (TD) occurrence and cognitive impairments. Patients were separated into two groups: TD group (n=157) and non-TD group (n=59). The extraction of DNA was completed by using a high-salt method, as well as SNP genotyping. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Repeated Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status were used to measure TD severity, psychopathology, and cognitive functioning. In this group of patients, it was found that the interaction of oxidative stress-related genes and adenosine receptor gene might contribute to TD susceptibility and severity.
