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Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms1,2
When your involuntary movements began, they likely caused a lot of confusion, frustration, and uncertainty. Now that you know more about tardive dyskinesia (TD), you may feel relieved to know that your movements can be treated. The only way to know for certain if you have TD is to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms.
Remember, the involuntary movements of TD are real and can be treated. Your healthcare provider can help. Explore more information about diagnosis and treatment below.
Move forward to managing your TD
The tips below can help you prepare for your next appointment to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
How should I prepare?
Prepare your questions about your movements, TD, and possible treatment options. Consider the following, and use the guide to take additional notes as needed:
Is it possible to manage my uncontrollable movements while continuing my mental health medications?
How do you assess the severity of uncontrollable movements?
What can I do to try and take charge of my uncontrollable movements?
Ask a care partner or loved one to join you at your appointment. Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize all the symptoms of TD.1 They can share their view.
Download the Appointment Preparation Guide to note important details about your uncontrollable movements—such as where and how often they occur—as well as your prescription medications. Bring the completed guide to your next healthcare provider visit to help guide the conversation.
Download NowDURING YOUR VISIT
HOW SHOULD I DISCUSS TD WITH MY healthcare provider?
Describe your movements as clearly as possible, including their locations, severity, and when they started to occur.
Try using examples to communicate the nature and severity of your uncontrollable movements:
My upper body and arms move uncontrollably.
My tongue moves uncontrollably and protrudes from my mouth.
My fingers occasionally tap uncontrollably.
Share how your uncontrollable movements are affecting your life, including your self-confidence, your everyday routine, and your relationships.
The movements have made me very self-conscious in public.
I’m not comfortable driving anymore because of my movements.
We rarely go out to eat because it’s difficult for me to use utensils normally.
Remember to ask about next steps. Try to leave your appointment with a clear understanding of what options are available to help you take control of your unintentional, uncontrollable movements.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Your appointment to diagnose TD shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Your healthcare provider will ask about your movements (when they started, how long they last, how often they occur) and conduct a physical exam to look for movements.
Your healthcare provider will also want to know about what medications you are on, including your use of certain mental health medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Additional tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.2,3
Depending on your other medical needs, you may be taking a variety of medications to achieve overall wellness. Partner with your healthcare provider to see if there is something you can do about your TD without disrupting your current medication routine.2,3
If you are diagnosed with TD, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan customized to meet your overall needs.
Learn more about a treatment for TDFind support for
READ THE STORIES OF PEOPLE WITH TD
See their real-life trials and triumphs.
VISIT MY TD JOURNEYReferences: 1. Warikoo N, Schwartz T, Citrome L. Tardive dyskinesia. In: Schwartz TL, Megna J, Topel ME, eds. Antipsychotic Drugs. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.; 2013:235-258. 2. Solmi M, Pigato G, Kane JM, Correll CU. Treatment of tardive dyskinesia with VMAT-2 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:1215-1238. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S133205 3. Derrow P. What is tardive dyskinesia? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Everyday Health. Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.everydayhealth.com/tardive-dyskinesia/
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