Supporting your loved one living with tardive dyskinesia (TD)

As a care partner, you can help your loved one take control of their uncontrollable movements. It can
sometimes be difficult for them to recognize their symptoms.1 Caring for someone with TD can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed.2 You may find yourself asking the following questions:

I know very little about TD. How can I help?

Take some time to learn about TD

Knowing the signs, symptoms, and causes of TD can help you prepare for conversations with your loved one and their healthcare team.2

what is td?

If a loved one affected by TD can be unaware of their own symptoms,
how will I be able to recognize them?

Watch for signs and symptoms closely

Understand that there is no “typical TD” and that symptoms vary from person to person. Some signs include involuntary facial grimacing, finger tapping, and arm and leg movements.1,3

RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS

I’ve noticed uncontrollable movements affecting my loved one’s everyday routine;
is that a sign of TD?

Learn about the impacts of TD, and share what you see

Ask your loved one if they are experiencing any difficulty with everyday activities that could be a result of involuntary movements. Some examples include difficulty walking, writing, cutting food, or speaking clearly.1,4

Realize that your loved one may resist talking openly about their involuntary movements. It's also possible that they may not consciously notice them. Be an advocate for them to go see their healthcare provider.

IMPACT OF TD

How can TD be treated?

LEARN ABOUT MANAGING TD, AND JOIN YOUR LOVED ONE AT THEir healthcare provider's office

At their next appointment, tell your loved one’s healthcare provider about what you have seen, and find out if there are treatments that may help.

Download the Appointment Preparation Guide to aid in the conversation.

MANAGING TD

Caring for yourself while you provide care for TD

The first step to caring for someone else is caring for yourself. Here are a few tips that can help with overall well-being5-8:

Care for your physical health

Exercise, eat healthy, and sleep for at least 7 hours a night.

Build and maintain a social support network

Connect with others to help you manage stress and have fun, and find support for TD.

Partner with your healthcare providers

Find healthcare providers that are right for you and schedule regular checkups to help you care for your overall health.

Find support while caring for SOMEONE WITH TD

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References: 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. Care for the family caregiver: a place to start. National Alliance for Caregiving. March 2010. Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Emblem_CfC10_Final2.pdf 3. Waln O, Jankovic J. An update on tardive dyskinesia: from phenomenology to treatment. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2013;3:tre-03-161-4138-1. doi:10.7916/D88P5Z71 4. Derrow P. What is tardive dyskinesia? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Everyday Health. Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.everydayhealth.com/tardive-dyskinesia/ 5. Are you getting enough sleep? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/getting-enough-sleep.html 6. What you can do to maintain your health. familydoctor.org. Updated May 31, 2023. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://familydoctor.org/what-you-can-do-to-maintain-your-health/ 7. Caregiver stress: tips for taking care of yourself. Mayo Clinic. August 9, 2023. Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784 8. Taking care of you: self-care for family caregivers. Family Caregiver Alliance. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers/