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This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to recognize May 1-7, 2023, as
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week and help increase awareness and support for people
living with this potentially burdensome condition.
TD is an involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts. It is associated with prolonged use of certain mental health medicines (antipsychotics) that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder. TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S, many of whom are unaware that they have TD.
The uncontrollable movements of TD can impact patients physically, socially, and emotionally. It can affect one’s ability to work, drive, button a shirt, eat, or even hold a cup of coffee. TD can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability, embarrassment, and frustration and add to the overall challenges often experienced by those living with mental health conditions.
We encourage everyone across New Hampshire to acknowledge the first week of May as TD Awareness Week and help educate about the importance of screening for symptoms. If you or a loved one is concerned about TD, be sure to talk with your doctor about available treatment options and managing the condition. To learn more about TD, visit NIH’s Tardive Dyskinesia information page.
Michelle Wagner
Community Educator and Peer Services Coordinator