AIMS is Nothing but a Number: Focusing on Function and Family in Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) remains a persistent and potentially debilitating complication of long-term dopamine receptor–blocking agent use. Beyond its visible motor manifestations, TD can significantly impair psychosocial functioning, occupational performance, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life (QoL) for both patients and their caregivers. This clinically focused session will equip psychiatric medical professionals with practical tools to recognize subtle and early presentations of TD, differentiate it from other movement disorders, and assess its broader functional impact. Participants will review validated screening and assessment instruments, including strategies for evaluating the real-world consequences of TD on daily living and caregiver burden. The session will also critically examine clinical trial data and real-world evidence supporting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2) inhibitors, with an emphasis on optimizing efficacy, tolerability, and long-term outcomes. Faculty will provide actionable guidance for individualized treatment planning, monitoring response, and integrating functional recovery as a central therapeutic goal.

Supported by independent educational grants from Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc and Teva Pharmaceuticals.