Overcoming resistance to talking to patients about tardive dyskinesia

The American Psychiatric Association's task force report on tardive dyskinesia recommends that when a clinician wishes to prescribe a maintenance regimen of neuroleptic drugs, patients and families be advised of the risks and benefits so that a mutual decision can be made. However, there is significant resistance to talking to patients about tardive dyskinesia. The author reviews institutional, clinician, and patient sources of this resistance and describes ways that obstacles to obtaining informed consent can be overcome. He concludes that with strong institutional support, clinicians functioning as a team can learn to view patient education and involvement in decision-making as an integral part of treatment.