Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia on Physical Aspects of Patient Lives: A Survey of Patients and Caregivers in the United States

Abstract: Background: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) substantially impacts patients’ ability to function in their daily lives. This study assessed physical functioning of patients with TD from the perspectives of patients and caregivers. Methods: Patients and caregivers completed online surveys (1 for patients with TD, 1 for caregivers of a patient with TD). Participants rated the 7-day impact of TD on physical functioning from 1 (least) to 5 (most). Results: 269 patients and 162 caregivers completed surveys. Mean (SD) physical impact scores reported by patients and caregivers were 3.1 (0.9) and 3.2 (0.7), respectively, and increased with TD symptom severity. Scores were greater for patients with underlying schizophrenia (3.3 [0.9]) or bipolar disorder (3.1 [0.9]) than major depressive disorder (2.7 [1.0]) as reported by patients but were similar as reported by caregivers (3.2 [0.7], 3.1 [0.6], 3.2 [0.6]). Over 90% of patients reported moderate to severe impact on physical functioning, with over two-thirds reporting moderate to severe impact on 14 of 24 items, including difficulty eating, speaking, sleeping, and performing daily activities. For 10 of these items, proportions of caregivers were 6.7%–16.1% greater. Proportions increased with TD symptom severity and were generally greatest for patients with underlying schizophrenia. Conclusions: TD imposes a substantial burden on patients’ physical functioning, regardless of underlying condition. These results reinforce the need to routinely assess the impact of TD on eating, speaking, sleeping, and other activities of daily living.Short Description: Online surveys were distributed to patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD) and to caregivers of patients with TD to assess the experiences and concerns of patients with TD. Patients and caregivers alike reported that TD had substantial impact on patients’ physical functioning (such as difficulty eating, speaking, sleeping, and performing daily activities), regardless of underlying condition.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.