This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to recognize May 1-7, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week to help increase awareness and support people living with this burdensome condition.
TD is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts.1-4 TD is associated with prolonged use of certain mental health medicines (anti-psychotics) that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.3,4 TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S.1,5
Specifically, approximately 822,000 adults in Maryland are living with a mental illness, and many people with a mental illness may also have TD.7,8
The uncontrollable movements of TD can impact patients physically, socially, and emotionally.9 It can impact one’s ability to work, drive, button a shirt, eat, or even hold a cup of coffee.9,10 TD can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability, embarrassment, and frustration and add to the overall disease burden for the those living with the condition.4,9-11
If you or someone you love is showing symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia, you are not alone, and help is available. Click the button below to download more information, and even a guide to help you start a conversation with your doctor to get treatment.
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