Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. released findings from a new survey revealing the significant impact of tardive dyskinesia (TD) on people's ability to work, go to school, volunteer or actively look for employment. About one in five surveyed working adults with TD reported quitting their job due to TD symptoms prior to treatment. Findings are released in recognition of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week (May 3-9) to underscore the importance of increased awareness, early recognition and appropriate management of TD.
The quantitative survey was conducted online in the United States by Ipsos on behalf of Neurocrine Biosciences from January 15 to February 17, 2026. It included 100 individuals: 70 adults (average age 47 years) who have been diagnosed with TD by a healthcare provider and 30 caregivers of people with TD (average age 42 years). Employment-related findings are based on the 59 respondents diagnosed with TD who met the study's employment criteria; caregiver burden findings are based on 19 caregivers who completed follow-up questions about the impact of TD on their own lives.
The survey found that of 59 adults with TD who were working, in school, volunteering or actively looking for employment: Approximately one in five, or 12 surveyed working adults, reported quitting their job primarily due to TD symptoms. 19 reported having to step down from their work-related responsibilities or change job responsibilities because of TD symptoms. All 59 respondents reported missing an average of eight hours of work or school during the week prior to starting TD treatment. Among the 19 surveyed working caregivers, many reported missing work or having interruptions to their own lives due to their loved ones' TD symptoms prior to starting treatment. Earlier screening and accurate diagnosis of TD are critical to ensuring patients, who are already managing their underlying serious mental illness, receive appropriate, evidence-based care.
The American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines recommend first-line, FDA-approved treatment with a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor for those with moderate to severe TD or those with mild TD if the movements are disruptive. Despite these recommendations, only an estimated one out of 10 individuals with TD are treated with a VMAT2 inhibitor. Established in 2018, Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week unites the mental health community to recognize the full impact of TD, including its physical, social and emotional effects on people living with the condition and the need for routine screening, earlier diagnosis and treatment.
TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the U.S. living with mental illness, yet approximately 60% remain undiagnosed, meaning many individuals living with TD may not be identified or appropriately managed. TD movements can result in both physical and emotional consequences, resulting in meaningful burden on one's employment and ability to maintain work. For more information, visit Neurocrine.com/TD-Awareness.
Employment-related findings are based on the low base size of 59 respondents diagnosed with TD who met the study's employment criteria. Exercise caution when interpreting results. The research was conducted online in the United States by Ipsos on behalf of Neurocrine Biosciences among 100 individuals, including 70 people who have been diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia (TD) by a healthcare provider and 30 caregivers of people with TD.
Of those individuals, 59 met employment criteria, defined as being currently employed (part time or full time), a student, a volunteer or unemployed but actively looking for work. Caregivers were defined as a partner/spouse or family member who is not a professional caregiver paid by the patient for their services. The 20-minute quantitative online survey was conducted January 15-February 17, 2026.
The first Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week took place in 2018. Over the years, all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and multiple mental health advocacy organizations continue to recognize the first full week of May as TD Awareness Week. TD is a chronic condition that is unlikely to improve without treatment and is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the United States.
TD Awareness Week unites the mental health community to recognize the physical, social and emotional effects of TD and reinforces the importance of early assessment by healthcare providers and discussion of available FDA-approved treatment. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. remains focused on TD education, empowering individuals to act and elevating the importance of routine screening for earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment. As part of Neurocrine Biosciences' commitment to TD education, more information is available at Neurocrine.com/TD-Awareness, and resources are available at TalkAboutTD.com.
These resources can help patients and care partners understand TD and recognize its symptoms, seek support and have conversations with their healthcare providers about ways to manage the condition, including treatment options. Healthcare professionals can also visit MIND-TD.com to learn about differential diagnosis of TD and other movement disorders. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso and/or other body parts, which may be disruptive and negatively impact patients.
The condition is associated with taking certain kinds of mental health medicines (antipsychotics) that help control dopamine receptors in the brain. Taking antipsychotics commonly prescribed to treat mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and other prescription medicines (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) used to treat gastrointestinal disorders are associated with TD. In patients with TD, these treatments are thought to result in irregular dopamine signaling in a region of the brain that controls movement.
The symptoms of TD can be mild to severe and are often persistent and irreversible. TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the U.S.
