Medication and therapy

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/

Psychiatric Medication: The Stigma of Mental Health Medication

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

By: Sanjita Ekhelikar

When someone gets a fever, a bacterial infection, or any other physical illness, what do we tell them? “Rest, go to the doctor, and take some medicine.” We strongly encourage them to receive a prescription for and to take medication for their illness. If a sick individual were to not take their medication, we would tell them that they are being irresponsible, and that they are not taking care of themselves. Why do we not say the same when it comes to medication for people struggling with mental illness?

In a time when mental health is becoming increasingly important, society still has a stigma around this, primarily regarding prescription psychiatric medications for it. There is still a lack of understanding about what mental health is and how it impacts people. Some view those with these difficulties as “crazy” and “unstable.” Medications for such conditions are seen in a negative light, and are seen to be only for people who are labelled “crazy” or “unstable.” Since mental illnesses are related to the mind and are invisible to the eye, many in our society cannot believe that these illnesses are serious, and thus consider taking medication for them to be shameful and unnecessary. As a result, thousands of individuals feel ashamed to get the proper help and take medications. They thus must struggle and suffer silently.

In reality, mental health medications can be extremely beneficial, and can change the lives of those who take them. Mental illness can be grueling to live with and can compromise one’s life and wellbeing. Medication helps these individuals to overcome their condition and lead a better life, especially paired with psychotherapy. Antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs have been developed to help these people in need, and we should be encouraging people to take them and take the necessary steps in getting better instead of shaming them.

While we have no problem encouraging our loved ones to take Tylenol, Advil, Cough syrup, and many other medications for their physical ailments, we should be just as promoting of them taking Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, and other psychological medications. It is time to eliminate stigmas around taking care of our mental health, and encourage and applaud those who have taken the steps towards a better life through using mental health medications.

If you or someone you know is suffering mental illness and would like to consider medication, 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 http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.