Designating the first full week in May as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week”.

Designating the first full week in May as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week”.

Whereas serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia often require treatment with antipsychotic medications for effective management and antipsychotic prescribing rates continue to rise;

Whereas, while prolonged antipsychotic use may be essential for the treatment of certain conditions, it is associated with tardive dyskinesia (referred to in this preamble as “TD”), a condition marked by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities;

Whereas people at higher risk of TD include those older than 55 years of age, Black individuals, women, individuals with mood or substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, or central nervous system injuries, and those with high cumulative antipsychotic exposure;

Whereas approximately 60 percent of the estimated 800,000 adults living with TD in the United States remain undiagnosed and even mild TD symptoms can be stigmatizing and impair physical, social, and emotional well-being, underscoring the urgency of early screening, detection, and intervention;

Whereas the American Psychiatric Association recommends routine TD screening in its clinical guidelines for antipsychotic treatment and individuals treated with antipsychotics or experiencing abnormal movements should consult their healthcare providers to assess TD risk, receive TD screenings, and determine appropriate treatment together;

Whereas treatments approved for TD by the Food and Drug Administration can provide options for symptom management and improved quality of life for many individuals living with TD; and

Whereas the Senate can encourage TD screening education and awareness for health care providers, patients, and care partners to help ensure patients prescribed antipsychotics receive care and support that aligns with clinical best practice, including regular TD screenings: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates the first full week in May as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week”; and

(2) in recognition and support of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week—

(A) underscores the importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for individuals living with mental health conditions and individuals prescribed antipsychotics; and

(B) supports efforts to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and the importance of routine tardive dyskinesia screening.