Tardive dyskinesia: motor system impairments, cognition and everyday functioning

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD) affects many patients with chronic mental illness.
• Newer antipsychotics may increase TD risk, even in populations not previously exposed.
• The link between TD and functional limitations is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review potential methods for assessing the functional consequences of TD.
• To identify factors that mediate the relationship between TD and everyday performance.
• To highlight potential new treatment targets for TD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on tardive dyskinesia.
• Analysis of functional sequelae, including activities of daily living, residential status, and employment.
• Exploration of mediating factors like physical performance and cognition.

Main Results:

• Several potential avenues for assessing TD's impact on daily life exist.
• Physical performance and cognitive function may mediate the link between TD and functional limitations.
• These mediating factors represent potential targets for intervention.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the functional impact of TD is crucial, especially with new treatment approvals.
• Assessing instrumental activities of daily living, residential status, and employment can reveal functional sequelae.
• Targeting physical and cognitive aspects may improve everyday performance in TD patients.