Tardive dyskinesia is a serious neurological disorder caused by the long-term use of traditional antipsychotic drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal disorders and neurological disorders. However, the new generation of atypical antipsychotics appears to not cause tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing of the lips, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Impaired movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano. Many of the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear similar to Parkinson's disease and the cause of tardive dyskinesia appears to be related to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
The phrase comes from tardive, which means "late" and dyskinesia which means "abnormal movement."
There is no standard treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Treatment is highly individualized. There is some evidence that benztropine or diphenhydramine can prevent tardive dyskinesia, and these are often even with antipsychotics. When tardive dyskinesia develops, the first step is generally to stop or minimize the use of the neuroleptic drug. However, for patients with a severe underlying condition this may not be a feasible option. Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute drugs may help some patients.
