certain medications, yet the above-mentioned survey clearly shows that providers aren’t doing well educating patients.
Dosage control, monitoring for signs of TD, and immediate intervention to lower doses or switch medications is imperative.
Living Well with Tardive Dyskinesia
To live well with TD, it’s crucial that patients and their loved ones fully understand symptoms and levels of severity. Many websites feature patient stories and experiences which may help patients feel less alone.
The drugs Austedo and Ingrezza are currently the only FDA-approved treatments for TD. Various nutritional supplements like melatonin are said to help, and providers should be consulted if the patient wants to try supplements.
Benzodiazepines (e.g.: valium) can be added for symptom management. If patients or their family members have these medications on hand, they should not treat themselves without the guidance of a provider and a legal prescription.
An individual living with TD may choose to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, and/or mental health provider.
A psychiatrist may have a significant understanding of TD, and a psychotherapist can assist with depression, anxiety, or a sense of isolation or stigma. A neurologist may also be worth consulting.
Resources for the management of TD include:
- Meditation
- Nature as an antidote to stress
- Techniques like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Adequate sleep and rest
- Satisfying and pleasurable hobbies
- Online TD support groups
- Support for caregivers
Living well with tardive dyskinesia is possible — thousands do it every day. While the condition can be frightening due to its wide-ranging impact on the quality of life, available resources show us that TD can be overcome whether it’s reversed or not.
No one but those with a movement disorder can fully understand the truth of the TD experience, yet loved ones, friends, colleagues, and others can be a source of strength, support, and encouragement.
TD is not an easy path to walk, but doing so with skilled providers and alongside loving and caring friends and family are powerful steps in the right direction.
Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Coach, career expert, writer, keynote speaker, and award-winning nurse blogger. His podcast, The Nurse Keith Show, offers inspiration for nurses seeking meaning and satisfaction in their lives and careers. Keith lives in Santa Fe, NM with his remarkably adorable cat, George, and can be found at NurseKeith.com.