The Patient Journey: Navigating TD From Young Adults to Elderly

EP: 1.Hidden in Plain Sight: Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia

EP: 2.Understanding the Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia Across Patient Populations

EP: 3.The Role of VMAT2 Inhibitors in Tardive Dyskinesia

EP: 4.Movement Scores and Beyond: Patient-Reported Outcomes in Tardive Dyskinesia Management

EP: 5.Sustained Benefits of Long-Term VMAT2 Inhibitor Therapy in Tardive Dyskinesia

EP: 6.Comparative Perspectives: TD Management vs Other Movement Disorders

EP: 7.Personalizing TD Therapy for Complex Patients

EP: 8.Optimizing Patient Care in TD: Dosing Strategies and Overcoming Treatment Challenges

EP: 9.Formulation Considerations for Tardive Dyskinesia Therapy

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EP: 10.The Patient Journey: Navigating TD From Young Adults to Elderly

The typical patient journey with tardive dyskinesia (TD) usually begins after months or years of treatment with dopamine receptor–blocking agents, often prescribed for underlying conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Initially, patients and caregivers focus on managing the primary mental health disorder, developing coping strategies for symptoms like psychosis. Over time, some patients may develop TD, and awareness of abnormal movements may arise first in caregivers and later in patients themselves. Pharmacists play a key role in assessing symptoms, educating patients about adverse effects, and supporting acceptance and adherence to treatment aimed at improving function and quality of life.

Differences emerge between younger and older patients in managing TD. Younger patients tend to be more active and sometimes more resistant to interventions, possibly because of agitation or irritability related to their psychiatric conditions and greater exposure to both first- and second-generation antipsychotics. In contrast, older patients often experience slower movement, have accumulated physical health issues like obesity, and may require adjusted lower medication doses. Their goals often shift toward maintaining function and quality of life despite physical limitations or changes in lifestyle, such as retirement or decreased activity.

Throughout the patient’s life span, effective management involves balancing treatment of the original psychiatric illness with monitoring and managing TD symptoms, recognizing potential drug interactions, and individualizing therapy to optimize function. The overarching aim remains consistent: enabling patients to live as healthy and functional a life as possible at every stage.