This recent article from the National Organization for Tardive Dyskinesia discusses reducing tardive dyskinesia (TD) rates by protecting the brain while patients take antipsychotics, which is notable when treating those who are at highest risk of TD. One of the main hypotheses of why TD develops is the major role of oxidation, and it may play a part in the severity of the disorder. Antioxidant levels slowly start to decrease as age increases, which leaves neurons more vulnerable to damage. Rodent studies have shown brain protection and reduction of the incidence of TD when taking particular antioxidants along with antipsychotics. Multiple studies have looked into certain antioxidants reducing the risk of TD, but the article points out that many psychiatrists do not know the potential neuroprotective benefits of some antioxidants. If this becomes part of standard practice, the incidence of drug-induced brain damage and TD may considerably decrease.

Reference: Can you reduce your patients’ chances of developing TD? National Organization for Tardive Dyskinesia. Published April 26, 2022. Accessed August 10, 2022. https://tdhelp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Protecting-the-Brain-and-Reducing-Risk-of-TD-NOTD-updated.pdf