Guiding Treatment Decisions After Tardive Dyskinesia Diagnosis

In this episode, the panel discusses how clinicians determine whether treatment for tardive dyskinesia is warranted once abnormal movements are identified. They emphasize evaluating the functional impact of symptoms rather than relying solely on AIMS scores. Panelists describe cases where movements appear significant on examination but cause no impairment, leading the clinician to monitor rather than initiate therapy. They explain that some patients have limited awareness of their movements, making patient insight an important but sometimes unreliable factor. The Impact TD Scale is mentioned as a tool for understanding functional consequences, though its use varies across settings. The speakers stress the need for careful observation and shared decision making, noting that TD severity does not always correlate with patient distress. They highlight that discussing how movements affect daily activities helps guide whether to begin treatment or continue monitoring, ensuring decisions remain individualized and patient centered.