The Use of VMAT2 Inhibitors for Tardive Dyskinesia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder often associated with antipsychotic use.
• Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors (VMAT2-Is) are FDA-approved treatments for TD, but their utilization patterns are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize trends in TD diagnosis and VMAT2-I use among adults with mental health conditions treated with antipsychotics.
• To identify predictors of VMAT2-I use in this population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 2017-2022 MarketScan data for adults aged 18-65.
• Identification of TD and mental health diagnoses via ICD-10 codes.
• VMAT2-I use determined from prescription claims; logistic regression used to assess predictors.

Main Results:

• TD diagnosis increased from 0.45% to 0.57%, and VMAT2-I use rose from 0.05% to 0.22% between 2017 and 2022.
• Predictors of VMAT2-I use included first-generation antipsychotic use, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, female sex, and older age.
• Among TD patients, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and older age predicted VMAT2-I use.

Conclusions:

• TD diagnosis and VMAT2-I treatment rates show an increasing trend but remain low.
• The findings underscore the need for improved TD recognition and enhanced access to VMAT2-Is for eligible patients.