HealthDay (5/9, Thompson ) reported researchers have found that “psychotherapy is assuming a larger role in mental health care, while medications prescribed without accompanying therapy are becoming less common.” Investigators found that “of Americans relying on outpatient mental health care, the percentage relying on psychotherapy alone rose to 15% in 2021 from less than 12% in 2018.” Meanwhile, “those relying on medication alone to help their mental health dropped from 68% to 62%.” The findings were published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Talk Therapy On The Rise, Psychiatric Meds Used Less Often,” Dennis Thompson, HealthDay, May 9, 2025

Writing in the journal Drug Safety, Besag et al conducted a systematic literature review to explore the current state of knowledge regarding tardive dyskinesia with antipsychotic medication in children and adolescents. The authors found 13 relevant studies, concluding that the risk of TD in this population is very real, despite a low overall incidence. There are limited treatment options for minors developing TD, leading the authors to conclude that “antipsychotics should be prescribed only if necessary, at the minimum effective dose and for the minimum necessary duration.”

Related Links:

— “Tardive Dyskinesia with Antipsychotic Medication in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review,” Frank M. C. Besag, et.al., Drug Safety, June 11, 2024

Psychiatric News reports a study found that “adults ages 65 and older with tardive dyskinesia (TD) given valbenazine for up to 48 weeks experienced substantial and sustained improvements in symptoms while maintaining psychiatric stability.” Researchers observed that “40% of older participants experienced a meaningful response to valbenazine (≥50% improvement in AIMS) at eight weeks, which rose to 65% at 24 weeks and 82% at 48 weeks; the improvements in older adults were comparable to those seen in younger participants.” Researchers concluded, “This article reports on data indicating that once-daily valbenazine is effective and well-tolerated in the ≥65-year age group.” The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Valbenazine Significantly Improves Tardive Dyskinesia in Older Adults Over Long-Term,” Psychiatric News, April 30, 2025

In a study published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, Frei et al employed an expert Delphi panel to address longstanding confusion over the terms “tardive dyskinesia” and “tardive syndrome.” The panel of neurologists and psychiatrists agreed that “tardive syndrome” should serve as the umbrella term for all persistent involuntary movements induced by dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), reserving “tardive dyskinesia” specifically for classic manifestations involving orobuccolingual stereotypy and chorea of the extremities. The study emphasized the importance of consistent terminology.

Related Links:

— “Tardive dyskinesia versus tardive syndrome. What is in a name?,” Karen Frei, et. al., Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, April, 2025

Psychiatric News (5/8) reports a study found that “individuals with serious mental illness who received assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) experienced improvements across a broad range of clinical outcomes, including adherence to treatment, symptoms, and self-reported quality of life.” Researchers saw patients who completed court-mandated AOT had their “appointment adherence increased by more than 24%, while medication adherence increased by 20%. Additionally, violent behavior was reduced by more than 19% and suicidal ideation by more than 24%. Illicit drug use and risk of homelessness also decreased following AOT completion.” Researchers noted that “the length of mandated treatment was also found to be important.” The study was published in Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice.

Related Links:

— “Patients Receiving Court-Mandated Outpatient Treatment Show Broad Improvements,” Psychiatric News, May 8, 2025