DOWNLOAD
THE TD DOCTOR DISCUSSION GUIDE.
for helpful questions and conversation starters to use at your next doctor’s VISIT, WHETHER IT'S IN PERSON OR THROUGH TELEMEDICINE.
DOWNLOADTAKING STEPS TO MANAGE TARDIVE DYSKINESIA (TD)
At your next appointment, talk to your doctor about your unintentional, uncontrollable movements. Together, you and your health care team can develop an individualized plan that may help treat your TD while you continue to manage your mental health.1,2
TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENT TIPS
- Phone: Use the guide to help you describe the location, appearance, and severity of your movements.
- Online video: Show your doctor where you're experiencing unintentional, uncontrollable movements. The guide also includes specific questions to ask your doctor.
download the td doctor discussion guide
for helpful questions and conversation starters to use at your next doctor's visit.
TD requires an individualized treatment plan
Together, you and your doctor can develop an individualized management plan based on:
- Your TD symptoms.
- Your treatment goals.
- Your other medical conditions and medications.
Depending on your other medical needs, you may be taking a variety of medications to achieve overall wellness. Partner with your primary doctor, neurologist, and/or psychiatrist to see if there is something you can do about your TD without disrupting your current medication routine.2
Talking to your doctor about TD
Partnering with your doctor is the first step to see if you can do something about your tardive dyskinesia.
Before your appointment
How should I prepare?
Download the TD Doctor Discussion Guide to note important details about your uncontrollable movements—such as location, frequency, and functional difficulties—as well as your prescription medications. Be sure to bring the completed guide to your next doctor’s visit.
Prepare your questions about your movements, TD, and possible treatment options. Consider the following, and use the guide to take additional notes as needed:
Is it possible to manage my unintentional, uncontrollable movements while continuing to take my mental health medications?
How do you assess the severity of uncontrolled movements?
What are the next steps for taking control of my unintentional, uncontrollable movements?
Ask a care partner or loved one to join you at your appointment. Sometimes it is difficult to recognize all the symptoms of TD.1 They can share their view.
During Your Visit
How should I discuss TD with my doctor?
Describe your movements as clearly as possible, including their location and when they started to occur.
Try using examples to communicate the nature and severity of your uncontrollable movements.
My upper body and arms move uncontrollably.
My tongue moves uncontrollably and protrudes from my mouth.
My fingers occasionally tap uncontrollably.
Share how your uncontrollable movements are affecting you, including your self-confidence, your everyday routine, and your relationships.
The movements have made me very self-conscious in public.
I’m not comfortable driving anymore because of my movements.
We rarely go out to eat, because it’s difficult for me to use utensils normally.
Remember to ask about next steps. Try to leave your appointment with a clear understanding of what options are available to help you take control of your unintentional, uncontrollable movements.
A Patient’s Perspective
This patient has received compensation.
Patient image is being used with permission
“I can feel better about myself because I don’t feel as responsible for not being able to control my body. […] I don’t feel like a victim and I do feel more in control of my life.”
- Raven C. on managing his tardive dyskinesia
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