Parsippany, New Jersey – November 3, 2025 – Pharmaceutical company Teva has initiated a public health campaign, ‘The Other TD,’ to spotlight tardive dyskinesia (TD), a frequently enough-overlooked neurological disorder. The initiative enlists Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis to help educate the public and encourage those possibly affected to seek medical advice.
Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia
Table of Contents
- 1. Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia
- 2. The impact Beyond Physical Symptoms
- 3. Addressing Disparities in Diagnosis
- 4. Key Statistics on Tardive Dyskinesia
- 5. The Future of Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about tardive Dyskinesia
- 7. What are the common symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) as described in the text?
- 8. Teva Launches ‘The other TD’ Campaign to Highlight Tardive Dyskinesia with Terrell Davis’s support
- 9. Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
- 10. The ‘Other TD’ Campaign: Raising Awareness
- 11. Terrell Davis’s Story: A Powerful advocate
- 12. Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Tardive Dyskinesia
- 13. The role of VMAT2 Inhibitors in TD Management
- 14. Preventative Measures and Risk Factors
- 15. Resources for Patients and Healthcare Professionals
Tardive dyskinesia is a chronic condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, primarily affecting the face, torso, and limbs. It’s frequently a side effect of long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications, which are commonly prescribed for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Approximately 25% of individuals taking these medications may develop TD, according to recent studies.
Despite its prevalence-affecting an estimated 785,000 Americans-a significant underdiagnosis exists. Current data indicates onyl around 15% of those with TD receive a formal diagnosis, and a mere 5% receive treatment. This disparity is especially pronounced among younger populations, men, and racial and ethnic minorities.
The impact Beyond Physical Symptoms
The effects of TD extend far beyond the physical manifestations. Research reveals that three out of four individuals with TD report significant functional, emotional, and social impairments. These symptoms can drastically interfere with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and walking, profoundly impacting quality of life.
“As someone who has personally navigated mental health challenges, I recognize the importance of open conversation and support,” stated Terrell Davis. “I am proud to collaborate with Teva to use my platform to raise awareness and empower individuals to seek help if they suspect they might be affected by TD.”
Addressing Disparities in Diagnosis
Studies highlight a troubling gap in diagnosis rates among specific demographic groups. Black Americans, as an example, may experience TD movements for an average of seven years before receiving a diagnosis, indicating a systemic issue in access to care and awareness. The ‘the Other TD’ campaign aims to address these inequalities by increasing education and outreach to underserved communities.
Key Statistics on Tardive Dyskinesia
| Statistic | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Americans with a serious mental illness | 15.4 million |
| Percentage developing TD on certain medications | 25% |
| Estimated TD sufferers in the US | 785,000 |
| Percentage formally diagnosed with TD | 15% |
| percentage receiving TD treatment | 5% |
Heather DeMyers, Vice President of U.S. Innovative Medicines Marketing at Teva,emphasized the campaign’s core message: “Individuals experiencing the impacts of TD are not alone. Effective treatments are available that do not necessarily require interrupting their mental health treatment.”
Did You Know? Tardive dyskinesia isn’t a new condition; it was first described in the 1950s after the introduction of antipsychotic medications. However, increased awareness and treatment options are continually evolving.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is experiencing involuntary movements while taking antipsychotic medication, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can substantially improve quality of life.
The Future of Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment
Recent advancements in pharmaceutical research have led to the progress of VMAT-2 inhibitors,a class of drugs specifically designed to treat TD. These medications have shown promising results in clinical trials,offering hope for improved management of the condition. Ongoing research also focuses on preventative strategies and personalized treatment approaches.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) continues to be a vital resource for individuals and families affected by mental illness, including those experiencing TD. Their website offers complete details, support groups, and advocacy resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about tardive Dyskinesia
- What is tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, frequently enough of the face, tongue, and jaw, and is commonly linked to antipsychotic medication use. - What causes tardive dyskinesia?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it’s strongly associated with long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications. - Is tardive dyskinesia treatable?
Yes, TD is treatable. Several medications and therapies can definitely help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. - Who is at risk of developing tardive dyskinesia?
Individuals taking antipsychotic medications, particularly for extended periods, are at a higher risk. - Why is awareness of tardive dyskinesia vital?
Raising awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and improved outcomes for those affected.
Are you or someone you know experiencing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia? What steps will you take to learn more about this condition?
for further information about symptoms and treatment options, visit TheOtherTD.com.
What are the common symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) as described in the text?
Teva Launches ‘The other TD’ Campaign to Highlight Tardive Dyskinesia with Terrell Davis’s support
Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements. These movements often affect the face, mouth, tongue, and limbs. It’s frequently a side effect of long-term use of dopamine-blocking medications, primarily those used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Recognizing the signs of tardive dyskinesia is the first step towards managing it.
* Common Symptoms: Lip smacking, chewing motions, tongue protrusion, facial grimacing, and involuntary movements of the arms or legs.
* Medication Link: Antipsychotics, both first and second-generation, are the primary culprits. The risk increases with longer duration of use.
* Impact on Quality of Life: TD can significantly impact daily life, causing social stigma, difficulty with interaction, and emotional distress.
The ‘Other TD’ Campaign: Raising Awareness
Pharmaceutical company Teva has launched a public health campaign, “The Other TD,” featuring former NFL running back Terrell Davis. Davis, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, publicly shared his personal experience with tardive dyskinesia, which developed after years of treatment with medications for depression. The campaign aims to destigmatize TD and encourage individuals to speak with their doctors if they suspect they may be experiencing symptoms.
The core message of “The Other TD” is to differentiate between the commonly known “TD” (touchdown) in sports and the often-overlooked “TD” – tardive dyskinesia. This clever branding aims to capture attention and spark conversations.
Terrell Davis’s Story: A Powerful advocate
Terrell Davis’s decision to go public with his TD diagnosis is a important step in raising awareness. His story resonates with many, demonstrating that TD can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or profession.
Davis’s advocacy focuses on:
* Encouraging open Dialog: He urges individuals experiencing symptoms to discuss them with their healthcare providers.
* Reducing Stigma: By sharing his personal journey, he hopes to normalize conversations about TD and mental health.
* Highlighting Treatment options: Davis emphasizes that effective treatments for TD are available.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Tardive Dyskinesia
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management of tardive dyskinesia. A healthcare professional can diagnose TD through a neurological examination and assessment of symptoms. Several treatment options are available:
- Medication Adjustment: If possible, reducing the dosage or switching to an option medication with a lower risk of TD can be considered. This should always be done under the guidance of a physician.
- VMAT2 Inhibitors: Valbenazine (Ingrezza) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo) are FDA-approved medications specifically for treating TD. These drugs work by reducing dopamine levels in the brain.
- Other Medications: In some cases, other medications like benzodiazepines or alpha-adrenergic agonists may be used to help manage symptoms.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): While less common, DBS is being explored as a potential treatment option for severe, treatment-resistant cases of TD.
The role of VMAT2 Inhibitors in TD Management
VMAT2 inhibitors represent a significant advancement in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is a protein that packages dopamine into vesicles for storage and release. By inhibiting VMAT2, these medications reduce the amount of dopamine available, thereby lessening the involuntary movements associated with TD.
* valbenazine (Ingrezza): Approved in 2017, Valbenazine has demonstrated significant reductions in TD symptoms in clinical trials.
* Deutetrabenazine (Austedo): Approved in 2016, Austedo offers another effective option for managing TD.
Significant Considerations: VMAT2 inhibitors can have side effects, including depression, anxiety, and akathisia (restlessness). Careful monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential.
Preventative Measures and Risk Factors
While TD can’t always be prevented, certain steps can be taken to minimize the risk:
* Lowest effective dose: Use the lowest possible dose of dopamine-blocking medication needed to manage the underlying condition.
* Regular Monitoring: Healthcare providers should regularly assess patients taking these medications for signs of TD. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is a commonly used tool for this purpose.
* Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative treatment options, such as psychotherapy or non-pharmacological interventions, when appropriate.
* Patient Education: patients should be informed about the risk of TD and encouraged to report any new or worsening movements.
Resources for Patients and Healthcare Professionals
Several organizations offer valuable facts and support for individuals with tardive dyskinesia and their healthcare providers:
* teva’s ‘The Other TD’ Campaign Website: [https://[https://
