Patient Survey Identifies Barriers to TD Treatment

Key barriers to tardive dyskinesia (TD) diagnosis include a lack of communication with the health care professional, lack of a physical exam, and low educational and socioeconomic status, according to a survey of adults with TD symptoms. Researchers reported their findings in a poster presented at Psych Congress.

Conversely, “[c]ontinued, frequent care from their health care professional and increased education about available TD treatments are determinants of TD treatment,” wrote first author Nayla Chaijale, PhD, of Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D Inc.

The cross-sectional survey included 327 adults treated with antipsychotics and reporting TD symptoms. Among them, 69% were diagnosed with bipolar disorder, 50% with major depressive disorder, and 28% with schizophrenia. The mean patient age was 46 years.

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When researchers compared the 171 patients with no formal TD diagnosis and 156 patients with a TD diagnosis, they found fewer patients in the undiagnosed group discussed involuntary movements with their health care professional or were physically examined for TD. More undiagnosed patients also reported difficulty doing fine work with their fingers, low income and employment status, limited education, sadness, and loneliness than diagnosed patients.

Among patients with TD diagnosis, 59 received TD treatment and 97 did not. Treated patients more commonly met with their health care provider who prescribed psychiatric medication within 3-month period and had continuity of care, researchers reported.

Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D Inc. sponsored the poster, which was presented by Kimberly Macasevich.

Reference

Chaijale N, et al. Patient perspective on barriers to diagnosis and treatment of tardive dyskinesia: results from a cross-sectional survey. Poster presented at Psych Congress; October 29 – November 2, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts.