Tardive Dyskinesia - Diagnosis

The diagnosis of TD is based on the findings of a physical examination and a thorough neuropsychiatric history. However, tests to rule out other disorders listed in the differential diagnosis (see next topic) may be warranted and include a complete blood cell count; serum electrolytes, copper, and ceruloplasmin; thyroid function tests; screening for connective tissue disorders; and imaging studies of the head.

The clinician should use standardized examination procedures to investigate the nature and severity of the movements. Because the symptoms of TD have a natural ebb and flow and may not be evident upon initial examination, the clinician may attempt to bring the symptoms out during an office visit by engaging the patient in conversation or distracting the patient. The clinician will pay particular attention to the area around the patient's mouth, including observing movements of the tongue both inside and outside the mouth. Because of the wide variety of movements that are associated with TD, if the examination reveals only minimal or mild movements in one body area, the examination should be repeated within one week to confirm the presence of the movements.

	Differential Diagnosis