A resolution designating the week of May 5, 2024, through May 11, 2024, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week".

Whereas many people living with serious mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, or gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms, including gastroparesis, upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting, may be treated with medications that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents, such as antipsychotics and antiemetics;

Whereas, while ongoing treatment with medications can be necessary for serious mental illnesses or gastrointestinal disorders, prolonged use of medications is associated with tardive dyskinesia (referred to in this preamble as TD);

Whereas TD is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, and fingers or toes;

Whereas even mild symptoms of TD can impact an individual physically, socially, and emotionally;

Whereas TD affects approximately 600,000 individuals in the United States and approximately 65 percent of individuals with TD have not been diagnosed, making it important to raise awareness about the symptoms;

Whereas it is important and recommended by the American Psychiatric Association that individuals taking medications be monitored for TD by a health care provider;

Whereas clinical research has led to approval of treatments for adults with TD by the Food and Drug Administration;

Whereas recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact in the lives of many individuals experiencing psychotic and mood disorders; and

Whereas the Senate can raise awareness of TD among the public and medical community: Now, therefore, be it