Medication Adherence Bergen County Nj

Tardive Dyskinesia

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Tardive Dyskinesia

By Madison Gesualdo

Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome in which a person exhibits repetitive, involuntary muscle movements. This syndrome directly affects the central nervous system and is typically seen in patients who are prescribed antipsychotic drugs, usually for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Tardive dyskinesia is chronic, with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition mandating that symptoms must persist for at least a month after an individual discontinues his or her medication in order to be officially diagnosed.

Neuroleptic drugs, also known as antipsychotics, are the most common inducers of tardive dyskinesia. Antipsychotics are often prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in order to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These drugs successfully work by blocking receptors in the nervous system – specifically D2 dopamine receptors in the midbrain and forebrain – and consequently lowering dopamine levels within an individual. This is crucial for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia because overactivity of dopamine in the brain can alter brain chemistry, leading to many of the psychotic symptoms associated with these disorders. Thus, antipsychotic medications are able to help assuage some of these symptoms by regulating an individual’s dopamine levels.

Like most medications, neuroleptic drugs have the potential for negative side effects. A person who has been taking neuroleptic drugs for an extended period of time may start experiencing abnormal involuntary movements, contractions, tics, tremors, and restlessness. All of these actions, in the context of long-term antipsychotic use, encompass tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms occur as the result of dopamine receptors having been blocked for too long; blockade of these receptors prevents fluid communication between nerve cells, resulting in a lack of stable movements in an individual.

If an individual finds that he or she is experiencing medication-induced tardive dyskinesia, he or she should consider talking to a doctor about stopping or switching the current medication that is causing it. Additionally, deep brain stimulation can also be utilized as a solution. This procedure employs a neurostimulating device that sends electrical signals into the brain to stimulate the blocked dopamine receptors and encourage movement.

Tardive dyskinesia should not be disregarded, as there are plenty of methods of intervention that can help reduce symptoms within an individual and make the condition more manageable. Make sure to consult with a healthcare provider about a treatment plan if you or a loved one is experiencing this condition.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

References:

Allarakha, S. (n.d.) Why do antipsychotics cause tardive dyskinesia? MedicineNet. www.medicinenet.com/why_do_antipsychotics_cause_tardive_dyskinesia/article.htm

Ameer, M.A., Patel, P., & Saadabadi, A. Neuroleptic Medications. [Updated 2024 Feb 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459150/

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Bhandari, S. (2023, January 12). What is tardive dyskinesia? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tardive-dyskinesia

Cornett, E.M., Novitch, M., Kaye, A.D., Kata, V., & Kaye, A.M. (2017) Medication-induced tardive dyskinesia: A review and update. The Ochsner Journal, 17(2), 162-174. https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/17/2/162/tab-article-info

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.) Antipsychotic medication. CAMH. www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/antipsychotic-medication#header.

Vasan, S., & Padhy, R.K. Tardive Dyskinesia. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448207/

Understanding medication adherence: Why is it important?

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Understanding medication adherence: Why is it important?

By: Irene Tussy

Doctors prescribe medication all the time, yet actually taking medication as instructed may not be as common for patients. So, what does it mean to be prescribed medication with specific instructions, and why is it important to take the medicine we are prescribed? What will happen if the medications we are prescribed are not taken properly? These questions can all be answered by focusing on one main idea: medication adherence. Medication adherence is the act of taking medications as they are prescribed and following the medication plan that you and your doctor(s) have made.

The concept of medication adherence is important for a multitude of reasons, all of which will allow your medication treatment plan to be as effective as possible. Most importantly, adherence allows your medications to work properly. Most medications take about 4-6 weeks to start working. Therefore, it is important to be patient, keep taking your medication, and allow it to have the proper time to perform as expected.

There are many reasons for non-adherence, including denial, embarrassment, or simply just forgetting to take your medication. Failing to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor increases the risk of your condition becoming worse, can diminish your quality of life and can increase the possibility of your return to a clinic or hospital. So, it is important to make a medication plan that may be easily implemented into your daily life and to make a conscious effort to adhere to it!

Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of medication adherence, there are many easy habits you can form to be consistent with your meds. These habits include (but are not limited to) pairing medications with something you do every day, using a weekly pill box, enrolling in an automatic refill program, and having prescriptions mailed to your home. Being consistent with these habits will decrease the chance of non-adherence and allow you to find success in your medication plan.

If you or someone you know is struggling with medication adherence, contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 or (212)722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Reference: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/Medication-Adherence