Many people are still unfamiliar with the term Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). In fact, approximately 600,000 people in the United States are currently living with this condition, a neurological disorder often linked to the prolonged use of certain antipsychotic medications. It results in involuntary movement of different muscle groups. Even though it’s a significant number of people affected, the awareness about TD is not as it should be, affecting not just the patients but their caregivers’ mental health as well.
That’s why we are calling on states to declare May 5-11 in 2024 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. By doing this, we hope to increase recognition and understanding about this condition, aiming to create a more supportive and informed environment for those affected.
May is an important month for mental health. It’s when the nation observes and promotes Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time when we, as a community, draw our focus on the significance of mental health and strive harder for better access to essential mental health services. It is during this crucial time we want to communicate about TD, a misunderstood and often overlooked facet of mental health often side-lined due to the shadow of broader topics surrounding mental health.
By devoting a specific week to raising awareness of Tardive Dyskinesia within Mental Health Awareness Month, we aim to shed more light on this perplexing side effect of antipsychotic medications, bringing it out of the mental health shadows and into the broader discussion. We believe, the more people who understand TD and its connection to mental health, the better care and support can be extended to affected individuals.
Knowledge about the risk of TD can help patients and families make more informed decisions about medication use, understand and identify potential symptoms, and ensure better proactive healthcare. These conversations can also support a more informed dialogue between patients and their healthcare providers about potential risks and strategies to monitor and manage them like regular screenings, adjusting medication dosages , or exploring other treatment options.
Check out the below resources and get educated on this topic: