This study examines the impact of tardive dyskinesia (TD) on informal caregivers, focusing on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Surveys of 162 caregivers revealed that TD significantly affects caregivers’ daily activities, professional lives, and mental health. Most caregivers reported moderate-to-severe impacts of TD on the patient’s sleep, emotions, social life, and independence. The severity of the patient’s TD symptoms was closely linked to the caregiver’s burden. While caregivers did not find individual tasks overly burdensome, the overall strain of caregiving led to high psychological stress and work-related impairments, including significant presenteeism and absenteeism.

The study emphasizes the substantial burden on caregivers, especially regarding their professional and personal lives. Caregivers reported significant work impairment, particularly those caring for patients with major depressive disorder. This suggests that TD not only affects patients but also imposes a societal burden, affecting caregivers’ ability to work and manage personal responsibilities. Recognizing and assessing caregiver burden is essential for healthcare providers to develop better tools for evaluating the full impact of TD, ensuring more comprehensive support for both patients and caregivers.

Reference: Jain R, Ayyagari R, Goldschmidt D, et al. Impact of tardive dyskinesia on patients and caregivers: a survey of caregivers in the United States. J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2023;7(1):122. doi: 10.1186/s41687-023-00658-9. Erratum in: J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2024;8(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s41687-024-00728-6.