It's been a number of years since I've worked closely with folks with
Tardive. They used to receive Cogentin or Benedryl to "mask" or reduce
the symptoms of the extrapyramidal movements. TD is irreversible unless
it is caught early, and the antipsychotics are changed or reduced. Yes,
TD is a direct result of the use of these meds. (Thorazine was the
worst offender, and it's use has decreased, but the damage is
long-standing. Mellaril and some others I can't remember off the top of
my head also promote the TD symptoms.) Often, when the patient is taken
off of the
antipsychotic and the cogentin, then the symptoms will be revealed more
drastically. Again, a change or reduction in the antipsychotic may have a
dramatic impact if the patient does not have long-standing TD. It's the
long-term use of the meds that is the problem. I have heard of no cure or
treatment beyond med changes.
Good luck.
Gigi Obren SPT
Flagstaff Arizona
On Thu, 4 Jun 1998, M.Campbell wrote:
> In message <001501bd8e21$e4830a60$a3cf15a5@yue-shan>, Cheah Yue Shan
> <[log in to unmask]> writes
> >I work with psychiatric patients. I receive several referals for patients with
> >tardive dyskinesia. What is the potential rehab for these patients?
>
> Isn't this drug induced - a secondary effect of the medication
> prescribed for the psychiatric problem? If so, I would guess that for
> as long as the medication is continued you would be facing an uphill
> struggle even to maintain present function.
> --
> Maggie Campbell
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> +44 (0)114 268 6963
> Sheffield UK
>
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