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Neurocrine Biosciences
2026-06-11 Learn about tardive dyskinesia (TD), its impact, and the importance of routine screening. Neurocrine supports TD Awareness Week each May.

TD Awareness

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled movements of the face, torso, limbs, fingers and toes.
TD is associated with use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
The abnormal, involuntary and repetitive movements associated with TD may be rapid and jerky or slow and writhing. TD is a chronic condition unlikely to improve without treatment.

Neurocrine Supports TD Awareness Week

Neurocrine Biosciences is committed to bringing awareness to TD throughout the year and during Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, recognized during the first full week of May. TD Awareness Week aims to reduce stigma and support those affected by the condition.
Mental health and TD are deeply connected. Even mild TD movements can affect social, emotional and functional well-being, compounding the burden of mental illness.
Over the years, all 50 states, Washington D.C., and multiple mental health advocacy organizations have recognized TD Awareness Week.
TDAW — TD Awareness Week logo

The Impact of TD

TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the United States. Of those living with TD, approximately 60% remain undiagnosed.

In a survey of 150 individuals in the United States aged 18 years and older who had been diagnosed with TD by a healthcare provider, 75% reported that they had mild to moderate uncontrolled movements.* Key findings include*:

56%
of all respondents agreed that they had avoided others or avoided going out in public due to their TD movements.
86%
of all respondents agreed that their TD movements made them feel judged or stared at.
43%
of all respondents asked someone to help with daily activities as a result of their TD symptoms.

The Importance of Routine Screening for TD

Earlier recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact for many people who are already managing their mental illness.
Neurocrine remains focused on TD education, empowering individuals to act and elevating the importance of routine screenings for earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
FAQs

*The TD patient survey was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Neurocrine Biosciences. The survey included 150 patients with mild/moderate TD (n=112) or severe TD (n=38). The survey was conducted from December 12, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

†In a survey, 36 qualified caregivers who noticed abnormal involuntary movements in the past four weeks were asked to rank the impact of caring for patients' health on caregivers' lives. Answers were based on a scale of 0 (no impact at all) to 10 (impacted as bad as you can imagine).