Tardive dyskinesia: 21st century may bring new treatments to a forgotten disorder.

BACKGROUND: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a condition that was first described nearly 60 years ago. Despite the tremendous amount of research on pathophysiology and numerous follow-up studies to understand the course and prognosis of TD, effective treatment of the condition continued to elude us until recently.

METHODS: We review and summarize clinical literature on TD, as well as provide an update on new treatments available.

RESULTS: The emergence of tetrabenazine as a treatment modality decreased suffering and improved quality of life for patients. New agents such as valbenazine, deutetrabenazine, and branched-chain amino acids continue to provide relief to patients, without the troublesome side effects of tetrabenazine.

CONCLUSIONS: There continues to be a substantial prevalence rate for the condition with the use of first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics. Because of the potential irreversible nature, legal implication, and high prevalence of TD, we advocate for more research on new treatments for the disorder.