A major new dataset from Teva Pharmaceuticals is revealing a striking blind spot in how tardive dyskinesia (TD) is diagnosed—especially among younger adults with mood disorders.

 

This is despite the condition’s heavy psychological and functional burden across all age groups.

 

Presented at the 2026 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in San Francisco, new findings from the ongoing IMPACT-TD Registry show that young adults aged 18–29 experience some of the highest levels of life impact from TD, yet are the least likely to receive a formal diagnosis.

 

According to the analysis, just 23% of patients aged 18–29 were formally diagnosed with TD, even though 85% reported a moderate to severe global impact from the condition.

 

“The latest data from the IMPACT-TD Registry underscores the profound, multidimensional impact of tardive dyskinesia on individuals, extending far beyond any single demographic. 

 

"Despite its widespread impact, we are still confronted with meaningful diagnostic gaps, leaving many patients undiagnosed and untreated,” said Verena Ramirez Campos, MD-MBA, Vice President U.S. Medical Affairs and Global Innovative Strategy at Teva. 

 

“We are committed to grasping the complete human experience of TD, and working to help close those gaps and bring forth innovations that make a meaningful difference in the day-to-day lives of people living with TD.”

 

The IMPACT-TD Registry—a 3-year, real-world Phase 4 study tracking 611 adults with TD—is the largest of its kind. The latest analysis focused on 211 participants with coexisting mood disorders, including bipolar disorder (60%) and depression (54%), and not receiving VMAT2 inhibitor therapy at enrollment.

 

Findings show TD’s impact cuts across ages, with 85% of patients aged 18–29 and 87% of those aged 50–59 reporting moderate to severe global effects on daily life.

 

Psychological burden was especially pronounced in younger adults. Seventy-seven percent of patients aged 18–29 reported moderate to severe psychological effects, despite having lower average movement severity scores (AIMS score 6.4) compared with older groups such as ages 60–69 (8.4) and over 69 (9.9).

 

Yet diagnosis rates remained lowest in younger populations: 23% in ages 18–29 and 35% in ages 30–39, compared with a peak of 57% in ages 40–49.

 

The study also highlighted a troubling lag in recognition of the condition, with patients waiting more than 3.5 years on average between the first observation of involuntary movements and a formal TD diagnosis.

 

“Beyond the visible symptoms, tardive dyskinesia impacts every aspect of daily living, from personal independence to social interaction and emotional wellbeing,” said Richard Jackson, IMPACT-TD principal investigator. 

 

“What remains a critical unknown is how this debilitating condition uniquely impacts those already struggling with mood disorders, especially at different ages. The IMPACT-TD study is designed to bridge this crucial knowledge gap, giving us the insights we urgently need to offer targeted, meaningful support to every TD patient."

 

Teva said it remains focused on closing these diagnostic gaps and improving outcomes for people living with tardive dyskinesia.