Anxiety and nervousness can take many forms.
For some people, it’s about fidgeting. You might bob your legs, bite your fingernails, move up and down and all around, feeling like your nerves are on fire. For other people, it’s about coping. Some people turn to substances like alcohol and drugs. They try to drown out their thoughts and numb their mind.
Other people, still, struggle with nervous tics they barely realize. These involuntary movements show up in many ways. From twitching to jerking, sniffing, grunting, and constant touching, these physical signs range far and wide.
But what if these movements and mannerisms are something more? What if they’re caused by a drug?
If you haven’t heard of Tardive Dyskinesia, you’re not alone.
RELATED: 8 Types of Specific Tardive Dyskinesias You Should Know About
What Is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)?
A condition of the nervous system, TD actually comes from the use of drugs. But we’re not talking about street drugs or drugs of abuse. We’re talking about medications, specifically medications prescribed for certain psychiatric conditions. Over time, these medications may cause users to have repetitive, involuntary movements, some of them quite disruptive.
The symptoms of TD are varied and may include:
- Cheek puffing
- Lip smacking
- Jaw, mouth, and tongue movement
- Hip swiveling
- Upper body movements
- Excessive blinking
- Uncontrolled expressions
- Uncontrolled noises (i.e., grunting)
- Movement of arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers and toes
- Changes in posture
- Struggles in breathing and swallowing
The important thing to remember about TD is that the movements are not only atypical but completely out of your control. They can occur when you least expect it, sometimes at the worst moment possible. One of the first symptoms of possible TD starts with the tongue.
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How Do You Know If It’s TD?
First off, ask yourself what medicines you’re taking. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are often linked to TD, as are antipsychotics and tranquilizers for conditions like schizophrenia. Similarly, lithium for bipolar disorder may also cause TD with long-term use.
Now ask yourself if you’re at risk.
More prevalent in individuals of African descent, TD seems to particularly affect older women who are postmenopausal. Research indicates that Black Americans are more likely to attend clinical settings for psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and psychotic disorder. In fact, studies have found that Black patients may be up to three times as likely to be diagnosed with these types of conditions when compared to non-Black patients.
As a result, Black patients are more likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications, and thereby more likely to develop TD.
If you’re on medications and suspect you’re developing TD, there is no harm in asking your doctor. The sooner you catch it, the quicker you can wean off your meds or try alternative therapies to address the symptoms.
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How Is TD Diagnosed & Treated?
Because TD often includes a spectrum of symptoms, it can be difficult to know for sure which ones are due to the condition and which ones are due to similar conditions. In some cases, all of the symptoms may have nothing to do with TD. After all, Parkinson’s Disease and Tourette’s Syndrome both have overlapping issues that may be confused with TD. Even restless leg syndrome may cause some of the issues often associated with TD.
A professional will use the following diagnostic tools to determine if you have TD:
- Blood Tests
- Urine Tests
- Neuro-physical Exams
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
Together, these tests and exams can help rule out all other possibilities. They screen for a variety of potential infections, illnesses, and abnormalities. Whether it’s the electrical activity in your brain or your muscles and reflexes, these tests will leave no stone unturned!
Once a TD diagnosis is made, you have multiple options. Sometimes, all you have to do is switch to other medicines that don’t cause involuntary movements. It may be as simple as taking a lower dose of the medicine you’re already on.
If that doesn’t work, you may be prescribed new medicines, such as Botox or valbenazine. In the case of Botox, certain muscles are weakened or paralyzed to stop from moving as they were. In the case of valbenazine, meanwhile, movements are decreased by changes in your brain’s chemistry.
As a last resort, deep brain stimulation may be necessary. This procedure is quite rarely needed and requires a neurosurgeon. It involves the implantation of a medical device and wires to stimulate normal brain activity.
Pretty wild, right?
The good news is, if you catch TD early, you can normally get away with minor changes without the need for crazy surgeries or procedures.
So, if you’re experiencing involuntary movements you can’t explain, there’s no harm in asking your doctor. Bring it up, get ahead of it, and put your concerns behind you!
