Tardive Dyskinesia: The Mysterious Disorder with Unpredictable Movements (2 of 4)

Symptoms and Manifestations

Imagine being in a constant dance with your own body, a dance you didn’t ask to be a part of, and can’t seem to stop. This is the reality for those living with Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and unpredictable movements of the face, tongue, limbs, and torso. From grimacing to lip smacking, tongue protrusion to rapid eye blinking, TD can make even the simplest tasks a challenge.

These involuntary movements can manifest themselves in a variety of ways and can range in severity. Some people with TD may only experience mild twitching or subtle facial tics, while others may have more pronounced movements that interfere with their daily activities. In some cases, the movements may be exacerbated during times of stress, anxiety, or fatigue, making them more noticeable or difficult to control. Breathing difficulties can also arise in severe cases, which can lead to serious health complications. As a result, TD can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.

Causes and Risk Factors

Tardive Dyskinesia has been primarily linked to the use of dopamine-blocking medications, such as antipsychotics, which are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of mental health disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. These drugs work by regulating dopamine levels in the brain, but they can cause changes in the dopamine system over time, leading to the development of TD.

While the risk of TD increases with the duration of medication use and the cumulative dose, other factors may also play a role in the disorder’s development. These include a person’s age, with older women at a higher risk, a history of substance abuse, the presence of other neurological or movement disorders, and a genetic predisposition. It’s worth noting that some individuals may develop TD even after short-term use of antipsychotic medications or after they stop taking the medication.