Psychosocial Implications of Tardive Dyskinesia in Patients With Mood Disorders Versus Schizophrenia

Dopamine receptor blocking agents-including antipsychotics-can produce tardive dyskinesia (TD). First-generation antipsychotics were effective in treating schizophrenia and severe forms of bipolar disorder; however, they were associated with substantial extrapyramidal effects, especially at high doses. Second-generation antipsychotics are effective and produce fewer adverse movement effects; nevertheless, the risk for TD was not eliminated. Tardive dyskinesia can be distressing to patients with good insight into their illness and the movements, especially if they are working and in relationships, and should be treated to improve psychosocial outcomes. In patients with poor insight into their illness and lack of awareness of their TD symptoms, clinicians should treat TD if it causes severe impairment.