Functional impairment in tardive dyskinesia: medical and psychosocial dimensions

The author presents 22 patients with tardive dyskinesia who were referred to him through consultation. Several patients had functional impairment caused by their movement disorder. Impaired gait was noted in 6 patients, speech impediment in 3 and thoughts of suicide in 1. Psychosocial difficulties were reported in 12 patients. The author concludes that tardive dyskinesia can lead to difficulties in patients who are suffering from the severe form.