Course Summary

Expiration Date: 12/27/2028

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, often disabling, hyperkinetic movement disorder caused by chronic exposure to dopamine receptor–blocking agents (DRBAs). Its pathophysiology is primarily driven by dopamine D2 receptor supersensitivity and subsequent maladaptive changes in the basal ganglia. This course reviews TD’s clinical presentation, its diagnosis using tools such as the AIMS, and essential management strategies. These strategies include risk reduction (antipsychotic optimization and avoiding anticholinergics) and first-line treatment using FDA-approved VMAT2 inhibitors (valbenazine and deutetrabenazine). Ultimately, the module equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge to implement comprehensive, interprofessional care to prevent and effectively manage TD, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Pathophysiology of Tardive Dyskinesia
  • Risk Factors for TD
  • Clinical Presentation
  • Diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia
  • Key DSM-5-based Diagnostic Elements
  • Course of Illness, Prognosis, and Outcomes of Tardive Dyskinesia
  • Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia
    • FDA-Approved Treatments for Tardive Dyskinesia
    • Valbenazine
    • Deutetrabenazine
    • Antipsychotic Dose Optimization & Switching Strategies
    • Adjunctive and Supportive Pharmacologic Therapies
    • Avoidance of Drugs That Worsen Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
    • Interventional/Surgical Options
  • Guideline Recommendations for Management of TD
  • Clinical Pearls: Recognition and Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia
  • Interprofessional Collaboration
  • CASE STUDY: WHEN VALBENAZINE FAILS – A CLINICAL PATH TOWARD ECT
    • Background
    • Case Presentation
    • Study Discussion
  • Summary

Authors

Richard Daniels, PharmD, BCPS

Richard “Cole” Daniels earned his Doctor of Pharmacy(PharmD) from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana in 2018. Throughout pharmacy school he completed a 3-year internship at Community Medical Center in Missoula, Montana in which he gained valuable experience in an acute care setting. Cole currently serves as a psychiatric clinical staff pharmacist at the Montana State Hospital. He has over 11 years of pharmacy experience having worked in several settings including retail, acute care, and inpatient psychiatric care. Cole has a diverse set of interests. However, acute care medicine, infectious disease, pain management, and asthma/COPD are a primary focus of his at the Montana State Hospital. He obtained board certification as a certified pharmacotherapy specialist in the Spring of 2022.

Luke Almos, PharmD

Luke Almos will be graduating from the University of Montana’s Skaggs School of Pharmacy in the spring of 2026. He has 3 years of experience in retail pharmacy, with interests in inpatient and ambulatory patient care. He has actively contributed to research and educational materials throughout his undergraduate education. His primary interests are metabolic disorders, anticoagulation management, and providing patient education. Luke’s primary goal is to help implement initiatives and provide education resulting in impactful patient care across all specialties.