Opinion
Video
Pharmacists Practicing at the Top of Their Training in Managing Tardive Dyskinesia
Panelists discuss how pharmacists play a vital role in managing tardive dyskinesia by conducting regular AIMS assessments, supporting medication adherence and tolerability, collaborating with health care teams, and integrating standardized monitoring into clinical workflows to enable early detection and optimize patient outcomes across care settings.
Pharmacists play a vital role throughout the patient journey in managing tardive dyskinesia (TD) by leveraging their expertise in medication and close patient contact. One key area where they can make a significant impact is through regular use of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) assessments. These assessments help identify drug-induced movement disorders such as TD, parkinsonism, akathisia, and dystonia, which require careful differentiation. Pharmacists trained in AIMS testing can establish a baseline before antipsychotic treatment begins, conduct initial assessments when patients are already on medication, and perform follow-ups after medication changes or if symptoms worsen. Routine monitoring every 6 to 12 months is recommended, with increased frequency as needed based on risk factors or clinical changes. This proactive approach helps catch early signs of movement disorders, enabling timely interventions.
Beyond assessments, pharmacists contribute to improving medication tolerability and adherence, 2 critical factors in managing chronic conditions like TD. By regularly interacting with patients, pharmacists can monitor adverse effects, educate patients about what to expect, and encourage adherence to prescribed therapies. Their role in counseling helps patients better understand the importance of continuing medication despite challenges and recognizing adverse effects early. This support can improve patients’ quality of life by reducing unnecessary medication changes and preventing the progression of symptoms. Moreover, pharmacists are well positioned to collaborate with prescribers to optimize medication regimens, potentially switching patients from first-generation to second-generation antipsychotics or adjusting doses to minimize adverse effects.
In health care systems, pharmacists enhance continuity and standardization of TD management by integrating movement disorder assessments into clinical workflows and fostering teamwork among psychiatry, nursing, and pharmacy staff. Structured, regular assessments provide valuable clinical data that guide medication decisions and support diagnosis. By taking the lead in these efforts, pharmacists help create consistent care processes that benefit patients across inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings. This team-based approach ensures comprehensive management of TD, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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