Patient-Centered Communication Strategies May Improve Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment Uptake
Key Clinical Summary
- Patient-centered communication strategies may improve acceptance of tardive dyskinesia (TD) treatments among individuals with mental illness, according to recent qualitative research.
- Four key approaches were identified: relationship-building, tailored education, positive framing, and leveraging social support.
- Collaborative, empathetic communication using lay language and quality-of-life framing enhances treatment engagement.
Individuals living with psychiatric disorders who develop tardive dyskinesia (TD) often face barriers to initiating additional pharmacologic therapies. Findings from a qualitative research initiative presented in a poster at the 2026 Psych Congress NP Institute in Nashville highlighted how targeted communication strategies by healthcare professionals (HCPs) may improve treatment acceptance and adherence.
Study Findings
The study evaluated communication approaches used by HCPs to encourage patients with mental illness or TD to initiate, titrate, or continue treatment. A total of 53 HCPs participated, including neurologists (32%), psychiatrists (28%), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (27%).
The clinicians were interviewed about their commonly used communication strategies to motivate new medication initiation, titration, or continuation in patients with TD or mental illness. These strategies were subsequently evaluated by patient advocacy group members (n=5), individuals living with mental illness (n=5), and caregivers (n=4), and ranked based on perceived importance in an online survey.
Across all groups, 4 strategies emerged as most relevant. First, building a strong therapeutic relationship was consistently prioritized. Second, tailoring education to the individual’s level of understanding improved receptivity. Third, positive framing—highlighting potential benefits of pharmacologic treatment—was viewed as motivating. Finally, leveraging social support systems reinforced treatment decisions.
Additional elements identified as critical included adopting a collaborative approach, using lay language to enhance comprehension, and focusing discussions on quality-of-life improvements.
Clinical Implications
These findings underscore the importance of communication style in managing TD among patients with mental illness. Hesitancy to add new medications is common, particularly given concerns about side effects and polypharmacy. By prioritizing relationship-building and personalization, clinicians may reduce resistance and improve shared decision-making.
Tailored education and positive framing can help patients better understand the rationale for treatment, while avoiding overwhelming or overly technical explanations. Incorporating caregivers and social support networks may further reinforce adherence, particularly in patients with cognitive or functional challenges.
For clinicians, the results suggest that communication training and structured conversation strategies could play a meaningful role in improving treatment uptake. Integrating these approaches into routine practice may ultimately enhance outcomes by ensuring that patients receive and adhere to appropriate TD therapies.
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Reference
Macasevich K, Gandhi P. It’s not what you say but how you say it: enhancing conversations around treatment initiation, titration, and continuation. Poster presented at Psych Congress NP Institute; March 19-22, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee.
