Tardive dyskinesia: psychiatrists' knowledge and practice

Aims and method We surveyed 180 experienced psychiatrists on their training and practice in diagnosing and managing tardive dyskinesia in the current atypical antipsychotic era. Results About two-thirds of psychiatrists ( n = 124, 69%) responded to the survey. A significant minority had no training in tardive dyskinesia, yet almost everyone recognised the need for formal training in this area. We noted a discrepancy between what respondents believed should be their ideal practice and their reported actual clinical practice. As many as 58% considered that tardive dyskinesia could be a reason for patients to pursue litigation. Many had concerns about prescribing antipsychotics for unlicensed indications, especially for incapacitous patients. Clinical implications It is important to recognise current practice and gaps in training, not only to enhance training and patient care but also to mitigate against the risk of litigation.