In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution designating the first full week of May as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.

Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological condition associated with prolonged use of antipsychotic medications, which are often essential for treating serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. TD is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities.

An estimated 800,000 adults in the United States are living with TD, and approximately 60% remain undiagnosed. Even mild symptoms can be stigmatizing and significantly affect physical, social, and emotional well‑being. Certain populations—including adults over 55, Black individuals, women, and individuals with mood or substance misuse disorders, intellectual disabilities, central nervous system injuries, or high cumulative antipsychotic exposure—are at higher risk.

The American Psychiatric Association recommends routine TD screening for individuals prescribed antipsychotics, and early detection is critical. FDA‑approved treatments are available that may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, making awareness and timely screening especially important.

TD Awareness Week aims to increase public understanding of this condition, reduce stigma, and encourage patients, families, and care partners to engage in conversations with healthcare providers about TD risk, screening, and treatment options.

I hope you will join me in raising awareness of this condition and supporting individuals living with TD by cosponsoring this resolution.