Tardive Dyskinesia - Symptoms

TD is characterized by coordinated, constant movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. Jaw movements may be from side-to-side, or they may look like chewing motions. The tongue movements may be squirming or twisting (choreoathetoid). If trunk movements are present, they are typically in the form of rapid forward motions of the lower abdomen and hips (pelvic thrusting) or twisting or flicking movements of the arms and legs. The involuntary abnormal repeated movements of TD may also include lip smacking, cheek puffing, tongue thrusting, finger flicking, and trunk twisting.

TD symptoms can range from mild to severe, based on the frequency and intensity of the movements. When severe, abnormal movements of the tongue may occur up to 66 times per minute. The numbers of these movements are often reduced when the patient moves affected body parts. Movement may be increased when the patient moves unaffected body parts. The abnormal movements usually decrease with emotional arousal, increase with relaxation, and disappear during sleep.

	Other DRA-induced Disorders