Tardive dyskinesia is best described as which of the following?

• A. Only occurs in acute phase
• B. Involves involuntary movements, often irreversible
• C. Rapid improvement with increased dosage
• D. Positive mood syndrome

Answer: (B)

Long-term blockade of dopamine receptors by antipsychotic medications can trigger tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements. The hallmark is oral-facial movements like lip smacking, grimacing, and tongue protrusion, though limb movements can occur as well. It usually appears after months to years of continuous antipsychotic exposure, not during the initial treatment period. Because the underlying issue involves dopamine receptor sensitization and lasting changes in the motor pathways, the symptoms can persist even after stopping the drug and may be only partially reversible. This is why it’s said to often be irreversible. Increasing the antipsychotic dose would not improve tardive dyskinesia and can actually worsen it. It is not a mood syndrome and not limited to the acute phase.