The resolution designates May 3 to 9, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Minnesota. It highlights the connection between the use of dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), commonly prescribed for serious mental health and gastrointestinal disorders, and the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder affecting approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. The resolution emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about TD, as many individuals remain undiagnosed, and even mild symptoms can have significant physical, social, and emotional impacts.
Furthermore, the resolution calls for increased monitoring and screening for TD among patients taking DRBAs, as recommended by the American Psychiatric Association. It also notes that clinical research has led to the approval of two treatments for adults with TD by the FDA. By designating this week, the Minnesota House of Representatives aims to educate the public and medical community about TD, encouraging individuals to become more informed about the disorder and its implications.