A European perspective on tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a medication-induced movement disorder associated with long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking agents, most frequently antipsychotics. Its clinical presentation comprises involuntary hyperkinetic movements of the face, trunk, and extremities that can severely impair patients' quality of life. Despite advances in antipsychotic treatment options, TD remains prevalent, with estimates suggesting that in Europe, approximately 22 % of patients treated with antipsychotics (regardless of drug subclass) have TD. Prevalence rates are affected by several factors, including antipsychotic subclass, with higher rates associated with older (first- versus second-generation) antipsychotics. Currently, there is no formal consensus for the optimal diagnosis and management of patients with TD in Europe, meaning that TD may be overlooked, misdiagnosed, and/or undertreated. There is also little knowledge about unmet needs within Europe, due to critical gaps in European research on TD. This narrative review advocates for the establishment of evidence-based standards of care tailored to the needs of European clinicians. It also underscores the necessity for further research to elucidate the impact of TD on patient outcomes and to develop effective management strategies to address the complexities of TD within the European health care landscape.