Joint Resolution No. 2 designates the first full week of May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in New Jersey. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious neurological condition that results in uncontrollable movements and is often a side effect of medications used to treat mental health disorders. Despite the availability of treatments and the importance of early diagnosis, TD remains largely unrecognized, with many individuals affected not being diagnosed. The resolution emphasizes the need for increased public awareness and regular screenings for those taking dopamine receptor blocking agents, as approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by TD, with a significant portion remaining undiagnosed.

The resolution calls for the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this week, aiming to encourage New Jersey residents to be vigilant about the symptoms and risk factors associated with TD. By raising awareness, the resolution seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder and promote timely medical intervention, ultimately improving the quality of life for those living with TD. The initiative highlights the importance of education and support for patients, providers, and caregivers in addressing this often-overlooked condition.