Anxiety and nervousness can take many forms.
For some people, it’s about fidgeting. You might bob your legs, bite your fingernails, move up and down and all around, feeling like your nerves are on fire. For other people, it’s about coping. Some people turn to substances like alcohol and drugs. They try to drown out their thoughts and numb their mind.
Other people, still, struggle with nervous tics they barely realize. These involuntary movements show up in many ways. From twitching to jerking, sniffing, grunting, and constant touching, these physical signs range far and wide.
But what if these movements and mannerisms are something more? What if they’re caused by a drug?
If you haven’t heard of Tardive Dyskinesia, you’re not alone.
RELATED: 8 Types of Specific Tardive Dyskinesias You Should Know About
What Is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)?
A condition of the nervous system, TD actually comes from the use of drugs. But we’re not talking about street drugs or drugs of abuse. We’re talking about medications, specifically medications prescribed for certain psychiatric conditions. Over time, these medications may cause users to have repetitive, involuntary movements, some of them quite disruptive.
The symptoms of TD are varied and may include:
- Cheek puffing
- Lip smacking
- Jaw, mouth, and tongue movement
- Hip swiveling
- Upper body movements
- Excessive blinking
- Uncontrolled expressions
- Uncontrolled noises (i.e., grunting)
- Movement of arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers and toes
- Changes in posture
- Struggles in breathing and swallowing
The important thing to remember about TD is that the movements are not only atypical but completely out of your control. They can occur when you least expect it, sometimes at the worst moment possible. One of the first symptoms of possible TD starts with the tongue.
How Do You Know If It’s TD?
First off, ask yourself what medicines you’re taking. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are often linked to TD, as are antipsychotics and tranquilizers for conditions like schizophrenia. Similarly, lithium for bipolar disorder may also cause
