Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week: Why Early Recognition Matters

TDAW brings together the mental health community, healthcare providers, advocates, care partners, and people living with tardive dyskinesia (TD) to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and encourage routine screening for earlier identification and treatment.

What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrolled, repetitive movements that may affect the:

• • Face (such as lip smacking or grimacing)

• • Torso

• • Arms and legs

• • Fingers or toes

TD is most commonly associated with the use of antipsychotic medications, which may be prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Certain prescription medications used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as metoclopramide and prochlorperazine, have also been associated with TD.

For many individuals, these medications are an essential part of managing mental illness—making awareness and proactive monitoring especially important.

Why TD Awareness Week Matters

Since the first TD Awareness Week in 2018, recognition of this condition has grown steadily. Today, all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and multiple mental health advocacy organizations formally observe the first full week of May as TD Awareness Week.

The awareness effort is critical because:

• • TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the United States

• • 60% of people living with TD remain undiagnosed

• • Many individuals dismiss symptoms as “nervous habits” or aging rather than a treatable medical condition

The physical, emotional, and social impact of TD can be significant. Earlier recognition and conversations with a healthcare provider can make a meaningful difference.

Screening and Early Action Can Make a Difference

If you or a loved one is taking antipsychotic medication, it’s important to watch for abnormal, involuntary, or repetitive movements. These symptoms should not be ignored—even if they seem mild.

Taking action starts with a conversation.

When speaking with a healthcare provider, be sure to:

• • Ask specifically about TD screening

• • Share your complete medication history, including current and past mental health treatments

• • Discuss any movement changes, no matter how subtle they may seem

Routine screening allows healthcare providers to identify TD earlier and discuss available FDA‑approved treatment options.

You’re Not Alone: Learn More and Find Support

Living with TD, or supporting someone who is, can feel overwhelming, but trusted resources are available.

To learn more about:

• • What TD is

• • Symptoms to watch for

• • Living with TD

• • Available treatment options

Visit https://www.talkabouttd.com, a dedicated educational resource for patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals.

The site offers clear, accessible information designed to help people start informed, empowered conversations about TD.

Join the Conversation This TD Awareness Week

This May 4–10, let’s work together to:

• • Normalize discussions about movement symptoms

• • Encourage regular screening for people taking antipsychotic medications

• • Reduce stigma surrounding TD and mental health treatment

Awareness leads to recognition. Recognition leads to conversation. And conversation can lead to better outcomes.

This TD Awareness Week, speak up, ask questions, and help shine a light on tardive dyskinesia.

To learn more and get involved, visit https://www.talkabouttd.com