Earlier Diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia

Because the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) have an insidious onset and fluctuating nature, and the risk of TD associated with second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) treatment has been underestimated, it has been challenging for clinicians to make an early and accurate TD diagnosis. More patients are at risk of developing this potentially permanent, disabling condition than ever before because of the widespread use of SGAs; therefore, prevention of TD, if possible, is of utmost importance. Clinicians must use reliable screening tools and diagnostic criteria to assess patients for TD, rule out other abnormal movement conditions, and make an accurate TD diagnosis.