Why Does Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week Matter?

Despite the fact that more than 500,000 people in the United States  are affected by TD, the condition is still widely unknown or  misunderstood due to a lack of public awareness.

Recognition of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week will help promote greater awareness about the impact and burden of TD, both for the public and those who may be at risk of developing the condition. Increased awareness will support people living with TD, their caregivers and their  communities.

Tardive dyskinesia appears as mild to severe twitching, shaking, or jerking in the hands, face, feet, or torso. If you are taking certain prescription medicines for mental health conditions and are experiencing uncontrollable movements, you might have TD. TD doesn’t have to interrupt your progress. Many people successfully treat their mental health and TD.

1 in 4 people who are taking medications for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression may develop the uncontrollable movements of TD.

The impact on daily routines and functioning can be comprehensive and severe:

  • Work and Employment: TD will interfere with tasks requiring coordination, such as typing, writing, or handling objects. In more severe cases, the visible nature of the disorder leads to discrimination and social discomfort in the workplace, limiting career opportunities or leading to job loss.
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  • Social and Family Life: Uncontrollable movements are very embarrassing for people who are already dealt a bad hand with their SMI. The added burden of the uncontrollable movements lead to social withdrawal, avoidance of gatherings, and strained family dynamics.
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  • Personal Care and Independence: Fine motor impairments can make routine activities like eating, brushing teeth, and even dressing difficult. This is sometimes so bad that it reduces a person’s independence and requires additional support from caregivers.
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  • Hobbies and Leisure Activities: Many of those that suffer with TD find it challenging to participate in hobbies they once enjoyed, such as writing, drawing, playing musical instruments, or sports. The loss of these activities contribute to frustration, depression, and an even more reduced quality of life than one has with an SMI.
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  • Mental and Emotional Well-being: Living with TD exacerbates anxiety and depression, particularly when the disorder causes significant distress, social stigma, or isolation. The unpredictability of symptoms inevitably leads to a loss of confidence and self-esteem.

Beyond the direct physical effects, TD creates a cycle of emotional and psychological distress, which is particularly devastating in individuals with schizophrenia, who already struggle with self-perception, stigma, and maintaining daily structure.

Let’s make TD visible—because silence only allows suffering to grow. If you or someone you know is taking medication for a mental health condition, be aware of the signs of TD and speak up early. The earlier TD is identified, the sooner effective treatment can begin—and that can mean the difference between manageable symptoms and long-term complications. Medications are available that can significantly reduce the severity of TD, helping people continue on their path to recovery with confidence and dignity.

This Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, be the reason someone gets the help they need: share this information, start a conversation, and help us spread the word that TD is real, it’s treatable, and no one should face it alone. 💚

Resources for Tardive Dyskinesia: