tardive dyskinesia
Pronunciation: TAR-div dis-ki-NEE-zhuh
A potentially irreversible movement disorder characterized by involuntary repetitive movements, typically caused by long-term antipsychotic medication use.
Full Definition
Tardive dyskinesia is a serious neurological side effect that can develop after prolonged exposure to dopamine receptor blocking agents, particularly antipsychotic medications. The condition is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements that most commonly affect the face, lips, tongue, and extremities. These movements can include lip smacking, tongue protrusion, facial grimacing, and choreiform movements of the limbs. The term 'tardive' refers to the delayed onset of symptoms, which typically appear after months or years of treatment. In clinical research, tardive dyskinesia is monitored using standardized assessment scales and represents a critical safety endpoint.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as TD in clinical contexts; ensure proper hyphenation.
In Context
- "The study monitored for signs of tardive dyskinesia using the AIMS scale at 6-month intervals." — Safety monitoring plan
- "No cases of tardive dyskinesia were reported during the 52-week treatment period." — Clinical study report