Diagnostic and Treatment Basics in TD: A Review
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) involves involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, face, trunk, and extremities, and it can be linked to considerable functional impairment and can be socially stigmatizing. Once a TD diagnosis is recognized, it is often irreversible. It is crucial for an accurate and early diagnosis, as the risk of TD permanence increases with time. Authors of this article urge clinicians to be educated on patients who are most at risk for TD and give appropriate clinical examination or use the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. The authors also state that patients and their caregivers should be educated about the risks of TD with antipsychotics, as well as any alternatives, and to know the early signs of TD. The authors of this article provide a review of both the diagnostic and treatment basics of TD.
Tardive Dyskinesia and How the Nervous System Works
A video from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance discusses information about tardive dyskinesia (TD), as well as how the nervous system works. Some people do not have enough, too much, or irregular neurotransmitters to bind to receptors that can cause irregular signaling, possibly explaining the symptoms of mental health conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. In order to treat mental health conditions, antipsychotics are often given, and much of these therapies are dopamine-receptor blocking agents. More signaling can occur when dopamine is binding to hypersensitive dopamine receptors, having an impact on areas of the brain that impact motor function, causing TD.
Using “Extrapyramidal Symptoms” in Practice: Expert Perspective
In this article, John J. Miller, MD, editor-in-chief of Psychiatric Times™, gives insight on the diversity of movement disorders that may result from the use of dopamine-2 receptor blocking agents. He explains that because the diagnosis and treatment of different movement disorders can be considerably different, treating one of them can worsen another. Therefore, he urges healthcare professionals to stray from using the term extrapyramidal symptoms, or EPS, as he has always thought that EPS was too vague and nondescript of a term, as its definition consists of various potential movement disorder adverse effects. Dr. Miller explains that drifting from this term can help improve the diagnosis and treatment of different movement disorders that can be caused by the use of dopamine-2 receptor blocking agents. He gives examples to support his point-of-view and how the community has gained a better understanding of the connection between dopamine-2 receptor blocking agents and movement disorders.
An Overview of Extrapyramidal Side Effects
One of the most common adverse effects from dopamine-receptor blocking agents are drug-induced movement disorders, or extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). The below link walks through the cause, pathophysiology, and presentation of EPS. The authors also highlight the types of drugs that are known to cause EPS and a summary a both the symptoms and treatment of EPS. The role of the healthcare team in improving outcomes for patients who have EPS is also discussed.
Video-Based Review: Differentiating Tardive Dyskinesia
It is important for an accurate diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia (TD), as well as a suitable treatment plan, as the symptoms of TD can be disruptive to both patients and caregivers. A misdiagnosis of TD can result in inaccurate interventions that may lead to harmful or poor outcomes. Researchers conducted a video-based review to help identify and differentiate TD in the psychiatric setting through looking at its clinical features and phenomenology, in addition to those of other antipsychotic-induced movement disorders. Movement phenomenology, current dose reduction or discontinuation of a dopamine-receptor blocking agent, and history of exposure to a dopamine-receptor blocking agent are how a differential diagnosis of TD is established. Challenges in diagnosing TD include other movement disorders that are linked to dopamine-receptor blocking agents, as well as abnormal behaviors and dyskinesias that are linked to older age or chronic mental illness. The duration of exposure can help in ruling out some drug-induced syndromes. Something else that the researchers note is to consider the possibility of TD presenting along with another drug-induced movement disorder. This can make diagnosis and management more complex in the same patient. Treatment options should be assessed with patients and their caregivers following documentation of the phenomenology, severity, and distribution of TD movements.
Information on Tardive Dyskinesia
UpToDate provides information on the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of tardive dyskinesia (TD). The disorder is linked to the use of dopamine receptor-blocking therapies that include first- and second-generation antipsychotics. TD commonly presents as spontaneous mouth and tongue movements. A less common feature of TD is dystonia of areas including the neck. TD has a negative impact on quality of life and psychologic wellbeing, as it may be irreversible and lifelong. Discontinuing the therapy that is causing TD is the best chance for a patient to recover.
Recognizing the Differences Between Tardive Dyskinesia and Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
Researchers conducted a literature review to locate articles on drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) and tardive dyskinesia (TD) that related to the presentation, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and management of the disorders to note key differences between them. The presentation of DIP is often bradykinesia and rigidity, including rhythmic tremor, with the most cases seen within hours to weeks after the initiation of treatment with an antipsychotic or increase in dosage of an antipsychotic. The presentation of TD is often delayed, showing signs after at least 3 months or more of treatment with involuntary and abnormal facial movements. DIP can be resolved after discontinuing the therapy that caused it, but TD can be permanent. It is crucial for clinicians to be able to identify DIP and TD in those taking antipsychotics so that they are able to select the correct treatment and lessen adverse effects, improving patient quality of life.
Neuropsychiatric Assessment Through Telepsychiatry
A study sought to determine if the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), which relies on visual judgements, can be a reliable measurement tool through video chat. AIMS scores were examined by 2 independent raters in face-to-face contact and 2 raters assessing remotely through audio-visual transmission. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was used to determine inter-rater reliabilities. No considerable difference was found between the raters, which may be due to the condition while examining involuntary movements using the AIMS. Researchers noted that the results were dependable to the same degree.
Lithium and Tardive Dyskinesia
On the Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network, Dr. Goldberg discusses the link between lithium and tardive dyskinesia (TD). While rare, Dr. Goldberg states that there is evidence of lithium causing TD in case reports. He also states what the course of action may be for someone who has taken lithium for 30 years who has suddenly developed shaking.
Drugs That Cause Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is mainly caused by the prolonged use of antipsychotic therapies. There are newer atypical antipsychotic therapies that are only sometimes linked to TD that include olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, paliperidone, and amisulpride. Other drugs that may cause TD include metoclopramide, antihistamines, fluoxetine, and amoxapine. When a patient is diagnosed with TD, treatment may include a reevaluation and adjustment of medications. There are available treatments to aid in counteracting the symptoms of TD. Those with schizophrenia, developmental disabilities, and other neuropsychiatric disorders may be more susceptible to TD if they are prescribed dopamine-receptor blocking therapies.
