The House Resolution No. by Representative Freeman designates the week of May 1-7, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Louisiana. This resolution highlights the impact of dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), commonly used to treat serious mental illnesses and gastrointestinal disorders, which can lead to Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movements and can develop long after the use of these medications has ceased. The resolution notes that over 600,000 Americans are affected by TD, with a significant portion of patients on long-term antipsychotic treatment likely to experience this condition.

The resolution aims to raise awareness about TD, which is often misdiagnosed and unrecognized, and emphasizes the importance of regular screening for patients on DRBAs as recommended by the American Psychiatric Association. By designating this week, the House of Representatives encourages the citizens of Louisiana to educate themselves about Tardive Dyskinesia, thereby fostering a better understanding of the condition within both the public and medical communities.