Neurocrine Biosciences Backs Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness by Promoting Routine Screening

Approximately 600,000 individuals in the United States suffer from tardive dyskinesia (TD), with around 65% remaining undiagnosed. Enhanced routine screenings for TD in individuals on antipsychotic medications could improve diagnosis rates. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. has reinforced its commitment to increasing awareness and improving care for those affected by TD during Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, held from May 5-11.

TD is a persistent and involuntary movement disorder linked to the use of antipsychotic drugs, commonly prescribed for mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder. For seven years, TD Awareness Week has united the mental health advocacy community to highlight the plight of the approximately 600,000 Americans living with TD. This year, Neurocrine is participating in nationwide initiatives to reduce stigma, enhance recognition, and increase routine TD screenings, diagnoses, and treatments.

Josie Cooper, Executive Director of the Movement Disorders Policy Coalition, emphasized that TD Awareness Week fosters discussions on the physical, social, and emotional impacts of TD's uncontrollable movements on individuals managing their mental health. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration to support people living with TD, ensuring they receive the necessary diagnosis and care.

TD is a chronic condition unlikely to improve without treatment. The involuntary movements can severely impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as working, driving, walking, and eating, causing significant emotional distress. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients on antipsychotic medications for drug-induced movement disorders like TD. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Neurocrine Biosciences' Chief Medical Officer, Eiry W. Roberts, M.D., highlighted the significant number of undiagnosed TD patients and the critical need for proactive recognition and treatment. The company is dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders during TD Awareness Week and beyond to advocate for routine screenings for at-risk patients.

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, in partnership with Neurocrine Biosciences, released a report underscoring the importance of measurement-based care (MBC) for individuals with serious mental illnesses treated with antipsychotics. MBC involves using validated rating scales to assess treatment effectiveness and make necessary adjustments, facilitating earlier detection of TD and the development of tailored treatment plans for better outcomes.

The 2020 American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia advises that high-risk patients be screened for TD at least every six months, and others at risk should be screened annually.

Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week started in 2018 and is recognized by all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and numerous mental health advocacy organizations. The week-long event educates the public on the physical, social, and emotional consequences of TD and the importance of consulting healthcare providers about the condition and available treatments.

Neurocrine Biosciences remains committed to TD education, offering resources to help patients and caregivers understand TD, recognize its symptoms, seek support, and discuss management options with healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals can also learn about differential diagnosis of TD and other movement disorders through available resources.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is characterized by involuntary, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and other body parts. The condition is associated with certain mental health medications, particularly antipsychotics, that affect dopamine receptors in the brain. These treatments can cause irregular dopamine signaling in brain regions that control movement, leading to persistent and often irreversible symptoms.

Neurocrine Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience, dedicated to developing treatments for patients with neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for TD and other conditions, with ongoing clinical development across core therapeutic areas. For three decades, Neurocrine has worked to relieve suffering for patients with few options, driven by the pursuit of innovative medical solutions.