A diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia (TD) can be emotionally overwhelming, to the patient as well as to family and friends. Usual reactions to the diagnosis include denial, hopelessness, fear, and depression. The keys to successfully coping with it are understanding as much as possible about the condition and knowing what resources are available.

In addition to the patient, family, close friends, the physician, neurologist, and other health care team members, occupational therapists should all be involved in addressing the condition. When the actions of the various health care practitioners are coordinated, the results will be better than if tardive dyskinesia is addressed haphazardly.

It is very important for the person with TD to feel comfortable talking about any emotional distress, or fears pertaining to work, providing for a family, or embarrassment with the physician and / or a therapist. Being able to focus on tardive dyskinesia treatment can help bring some emotional relief. Family members and loved ones should also feel free to discuss the condition, because they are affected by it too.

Because in so many societies, there is emphasis on the way a person looks on his or her body language, there can be profound social implications with tardive dyskinesia. The involuntary movements of someone with TD can be frustrating and can cause a person with TD to be depressed or to withdraw socially.

People with tardive dyskinesia symptoms should know that they are not alone. Though it is relatively rare, up to 30% of people who have been medicated with dopamine antagonists for digestive disorders or mental illnesses are affected. Groups like Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders (WEMOVE) allow patients to share their experiences online as well as participate in online seminars on movement disorders.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is a United States federal agency. Their website contains plenty of information on funding, grants, research, and clinical trials having to do with tardive dyskinesia.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an agency of the US government, has many publications that can be downloaded from their website. There, patients can also learn about current research and find clinical trials for which they might be eligible. People with TD are also advised to contact local hospitals and county and state health departments to find out about support within their community.

Tardive dyskinesia treatment involves more than just addressing the symptoms through changes in drugs or addition of drugs commonly used to treat it. Occupational therapists may need to be involved depending on the severity of the condition and the tasks the patient needs to be able to do on a daily basis.

The psychological aspects of TD should not be ignored either. Patients with tardive dyskinesia symptoms that cause him or her to withdraw from friends, family, and social networks can compound the negative aspects of the condition. A supportive network of professionals, family members, and friends can make a profound difference in how well someone with TD copes with the challenges of daily living.

Author Bio: Jason Bacot – Are you looking for more information on Tardive Dyskinesia and what about Tardive Dyskinesia Reglan? If so, check us out online at \”TardiveDyskinesia.net\” immediately.

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