Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterized by abnormal involuntary movements that significantly affect physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning. Despite its profound impact, routine clinical practice often lacks measures to assess the functional burden of TD. To address this, an advisory panel of psychiatry and movement disorder neurology experts conducted a literature review and held iterative meetings to develop consensus recommendations. The panel emphasized the importance of assessing TD’s impact across social, physical, vocational, and psychological domains, as well as its effect on the underlying psychiatric disorder.

The panel recommended that TD impact assessments be integrated into every patient visit, incorporating input from patients, caregivers, and family members. This holistic approach supports shared decision-making for initiating and adjusting TD treatment. By addressing the broad impact of TD, clinicians can make more informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes, highlighting the need for routine and comprehensive assessment practices in clinical care.

Reference: Jackson R, Brams MN, Citrome L, et al. Assessment of the Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia in Clinical Practice: Consensus Panel Recommendations. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:1589-1597. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S310605