Tardive Dyskinesia - Pathophysiology

Although the exact underlying cause or pathophysiology of TD is unknown, several theories do exist. These theories all point to an increased sensitivity of the nerve cells or toxicity from the drugs in people who take DRAs. One potential cause that has been proposed is related to a person's decreased ability to handle a chemical known as phenylalanine. This theory maintains that, in people with TD, the inability to clear the phenylalanine leads to an increase of this chemical in the brain and a decrease in other chemicals that are necessary for the nervous system to control smooth and accurate movements.

	Diagnosis