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Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia: Findings from Neurocrine Biosciences' Recent Survey

Neurocrine Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company devoted to addressing neurological disorders, recently released significant findings from a survey conducted by The Harris Poll regarding Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). The survey gathered responses from 150 diagnosed patients in the United States, revealing a startling need for earlier screening and proactive treatment options for individuals living with this disorder.

Tardive Dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements often caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications, affects over 800,000 adults in the U.S. Yet, astonishingly, approximately 60% of these individuals remain unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness can lead to a myriad of physical, psychological, and social challenges that severely impact daily functioning and quality of life.

Survey Insights and Key Findings

The survey, conducted from December 12-31, 2024, aimed to delve into the everyday experiences of patients with TD. Nearly 80% of those surveyed expressed a wish for earlier screening, while 86% indicated a desire for their healthcare providers to discuss treatment options sooner. This underscores a pressing need for healthcare systems to prioritize early detection strategies.

Highlights from the survey include:

• - Functional Impact: Approximately 43% of respondents indicated they often require assistance with daily tasks, while 41% noted that their TD symptoms hinder their job performance.
• - Psychological Strain: A significant 86% of all patients felt judged due to their symptoms, which exacerbated feelings of self-consciousness.
• - Social Interactions: The survey reported that 56% of respondents avoided social outings because of their symptoms, illustrating how TD can affect personal relationships and social engagements.

Dr. Eiry W. Roberts, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences, highlighted these insights, stating that the findings emphasize the everyday struggles faced by individuals with TD. Such challenges not only affect physical capability but also contribute to emotional and social distress.

Importance of Education and Awareness

The survey results reveal that education regarding Tardive Dyskinesia is critically lacking, particularly among patients prescribed antipsychotic medications. An alarming 75% of respondents were uninformed about the possibility that their medication could induce TD before receiving a diagnosis. This gap in knowledge points to a need for healthcare professionals to engage in thorough discussions with patients about medication side effects and the importance of recognizing the early signs of TD.

Josie Cooper, Executive Director of the Movement Disorders Policy Coalition, echoed the importance of routine screenings, asserting that timely identification of TD can lead to better management outcomes and overall enhanced wellbeing for patients.

Call to Action

The ongoing awareness initiatives like Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, recognized from May 4-10, aim to bring attention to the impacts of TD and stress the necessity of routine screening. Through collaborative efforts between organizations and healthcare professionals, there is a pressing opportunity to improve patient outcomes significantly.

Neurocrine Biosciences is committed to educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about Tardive Dyskinesia. Additionally, they encourage individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice and engage in conversations about their treatment options. Together, increased education, awareness, and proactive engagement can help manage this condition more effectively and enhance the quality of life for those affected.