Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment Algorithm

Abstract

The problem of tardive dyskinesia (TD) is currently of particular relevance. This condition leads to disability of patients, often persists throughout the lifetime despite the treatment provided, and therefore it is primarily important to pay attention to the prevention of TD, especially in high-risk groups (elderly, female, patients with concomitant diseases, such as HIV, diabetes, etc.). TD treatment in the framework of evidence-based medicine is a significant problem. The most obvious solution – the withdrawal of the antipsychotic – has no solid evidence of effectiveness, but still seems a reasonable strategy, although not always implementable for patients with psychotic disorders. In addition, for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, such strategies as antipsychotic dose reduction, switching the antipsychotic to quetiapine or clozapine, as well as adding tetrabenazine to the current treatment seems reasonable.