Senate Resolution No. [number] designates May 4-10, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week to raise awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition that can arise from prolonged use of antipsychotic medications, which are often necessary for managing serious mental illnesses. The resolution highlights that TD is characterized by uncontrollable and repetitive movements and disproportionately affects certain populations, including older adults, Black individuals, women, and those with specific mental health conditions. Alarmingly, around 60% of the estimated 800,000 American adults living with TD remain undiagnosed, emphasizing the need for early screening and intervention.
The resolution calls for increased education and awareness regarding TD screening among healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers, in line with the American Psychiatric Association's recommendations for routine TD assessments. It encourages individuals experiencing symptoms of TD to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation and potential treatment options, which can significantly improve their quality of life. The Senate adopted this resolution on April 22, 2025, to promote better understanding and management of this condition.