Tardive Dyskinesia

Diagnosis begins with a conversation about your symptoms and medication history. People are more likely to develop tardive dyskinesia if they take antipsychotic drugs for a long time, are exposed to high doses of first-generation drugs, are older, have a substance abuse disorder, are female or are of African American or Asian ethnicity.  

Symptoms such as these are common in tardive dyskinesia and indicate a visit to a specialist may be needed: 

• Facial grimacing 
• Finger movement 
• Lip smacking, puckering and pursing 
• Rapid eye movements 
• Jaw swinging 
• Repetitive chewing 
• Tongue thrusting 

While uncommon, the disorder can also affect the limbs, torso and fingers and, in rare instances, breathing difficulties can occur. 

Blood testing and imaging such as a CT scan or MRI can help identify or rule out underlying conditions. Houston Methodist experts will create a personalized treatment plan based on your results.