Tardive Dyskinesia

Synonyms

Tardive stereotypy; Rhythmical chorea; Oral-buccal-lingual dyskinesias; Classical tardive dyskinesia; Persistent oral dyskinesia; Orofacial dyskinesia

Definition and Characteristics

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that is essentially caused by the long-term use of antipsychotic medication. The syndrome may develop after 3 months up to several years after continuous exposure to antipsychotic drugs or upon sudden withdrawal from treatment. The abnormal movements may persist with or without continued use of antipsychotics (a potentially irreversible adverse effect) or may diminish or disappear over time. The disorder consists of hyperkinetic involuntary movements characterized by choreiform (rapid, jerky, non-repetitive), athetoid (slow, sinuous, continual), and/or rhythmic (stereotypical) movements, or a combination of these. The abnormal movements are most commonly seen in the orofacial area (especially in the tongue, lips, and jaw) and