Which population has a higher prevalence of Tardive Dyskinesia?

The correct answer, older adults, reflects the demographic most affected by Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). This movement disorder is a potential side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications, which are often prescribed to manage chronic psychiatric conditions. Research has consistently shown that the risk of developing TD increases with age, a phenomenon attributed to various factors.

Older adults are generally more sensitive to the side effects of medications due to physiological changes associated with aging, including alterations in drug metabolism and sensitive neural pathways. Additionally, the likelihood of prolonged exposure to antipsychotic medications is greater in this population, often related to the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia or severe depression, which can require long-term management.

In contrast, children, males, and college students do not exhibit the same increased risk for Tardive Dyskinesia. Children are still in developmental stages and typically are not exposed to antipsychotics for prolonged periods, while males and college students do not display a higher prevalence related to age or duration of treatment. Therefore, older adults form the group with the highest prevalence of this condition, particularly within the context of psychiatric treatments.