Researchers of a study aimed to evaluate the broad impact of tardive dyskinesia (TD) on patients’ physical, emotional, and social functioning. The research included an online survey of 269 adults with TD and underlying psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. Participants rated the impact of TD on their daily lives, showing that TD significantly affects multiple domains, with mean scores of 3.1 for physical, 3.5 for psychological, and 3.2 for social functioning. Activity impairment reached 66.2%, and those employed reported high rates of absenteeism (29.1%) and presenteeism (68.4%). The study revealed that many patients altered or stopped their antipsychotic medications and psychiatric care due to the negative effects of TD.

The study highlighted that TD also hinders the effective treatment of underlying psychiatric conditions, emphasizing a substantial unmet need. The researchers called for greater awareness among healthcare professionals about the comprehensive impact of TD. They urged clinicians to recognize the condition early and provide evidence-based, FDA-approved treatments to reduce its detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life.

Reference: Jain R. Tardive Dyskinesia Impacts ‘Every Single Domain’ of Patients’ Lives. Physician’s Weekly. Published May 4, 2023. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.physiciansweekly.com/tardive-dyskinesia-impacts-every-single-domain-of-patients-lives/