Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious, often misunderstood movement disorder that disproportionately affects Black patients. Caused by long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, TD manifests as involuntary, repetitive movements that can be socially and physically debilitating. Despite its prevalence, TD remains underdiagnosed, especially in Black communities, due to systemic healthcare disparities and biases.
What Is TD and Why Is It Underdiagnosed in Black Patients?
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological movement disorder that emerges after long-term use of certain medications that affect dopamine, a brain chemical crucial for motor control. TD causes involuntary, repetitive movements, most commonly in the face (lip smacking, grimacing, rapid blinking), tongue (protrusion or rolling), and limbs (twitching or jerking motions).
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