Recent advances have introduced treatment options, including VMAT2 inhibitors, for patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD), which help suppress symptoms, though they do not address the underlying causes. TD remains a critical issue, especially as it can worsen with age and prolonged antipsychotic use. Early diagnosis and preventive strategies, such as regular screening and antipsychotic dose adjustments, are crucial for managing the disorder.

The treatment of TD involves a comprehensive approach, combining medication adjustments, preventive screening, and patient-caregiver discussions. While several agents, such as VMAT2 inhibitors, have shown promise, many clinical trials for alternative treatments have been methodologically flawed, leaving questions about their effectiveness. The dopamine supersensitivity hypothesis, which suggests that TD is triggered by prolonged dopamine D2-receptor blockade, remains a central theory, but it doesn’t fully explain the disorder’s complexity. New treatments targeting non-dopaminergic pathways, including glutamate, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid agents, offer potential for more effective management. Future research should focus on better understanding these mechanisms and exploring therapies that address the underlying causes of TD.

Reference: Caroff SN. Recent Advances in the Pharmacology of Tardive Dyskinesia. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2020;18(4):493-506. doi: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.4.493.