Teva Pharmaceuticals has revealed alarming statistics regarding the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD) among residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities. The latest study presented at Psych Congress Elevate 2025 highlights that over half of the LTC residents with TD are not receiving the standard care necessary, with a significant portion left untreated.
Diagnosis Challenges in Long-Term Care
The research indicates that LTC residents are frequently misdiagnosed with a broad category known as extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS), complicating the identification and appropriate treatment of TD. Specifically, only 1.1% of residents on antipsychotic drugs (APDs) received a precise TD diagnosis, while 5.6% were broadly classified under EPS without specific treatment plans.
Inadequate Treatment Protocols Identified
Furthermore, the study found that less than half of the diagnosed TD patients in LTC facilities were treated with vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors (VMAT2i), the treatment recommended by the American Psychiatric Association. Instead, most patients received non-FDA approved treatments like benztropine, and a concerning 25% received no treatment at all.
– Misdiagnosis under EPS leads to inappropriate treatment choices.
– High prevalence of comorbid conditions such as dementia complicates TD management.
– Significant portion of patients remain untreated, increasing their risk of severe symptoms.
The study analyzed data from approximately 700,000 residents on APDs and 35,000 on Reglan®, revealing that mood disorders were the most common underlying psychiatric conditions. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and adherence to treatment guidelines in LTC settings.
Teva emphasizes its commitment to advancing research and raising awareness about the gaps in TD care. The company aims to collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment protocols are implemented, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients living with TD.
Addressing the identified gaps requires a multifaceted approach, including better training for healthcare professionals in recognizing TD symptoms and implementing standardized treatment protocols. Additionally, increasing access to FDA-approved treatments can significantly reduce the number of untreated cases, ensuring that residents receive the necessary care to manage their condition effectively.
Enhancing diagnostic processes and treatment adherence in LTC facilities not only improves patient outcomes but also alleviates the burden on healthcare systems by preventing the progression of TD and reducing the need for more intensive interventions. Teva’s findings provide a crucial roadmap for improving TD management, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts to bridge the existing gaps in care.
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