From assessment to intervention: evidence-based approaches in tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially irreversible movement disorder induced by dopamine receptor-blocking agents, including antipsychotics. Despite progress in antipsychotic medications, TD remains widely prevalent even in the era of second-generation antipsychotics. Early detection is critical for preventing irreversible damage and minimizing the disorder's impact on patients' daily lives. Risk factors for TD include advanced age, female sex, medical comorbidities, and prolonged use of dopamine receptor-blocking agents (DRBAs). Effective screening for TD should incorporate evidence-based screening techniques such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and informal methods to capture a comprehensive view of TD's severity and impact. Combining these approaches allows for a thorough assessment of both healthcare practitioner-perceived severity and patient-reported effects on daily life. Modern treatment options, including vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors like valbenazine and deutetrabenazine, have demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in clinical trials. Approved by the FDA in 2017, these medications enable continued psychiatric care while managing TD symptoms. Long-term studies support their sustained efficacy and safety, underscoring the importance of individualized, evidence-based treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.