Relative to Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
The resolution emphasizes the need for regular screening and evaluation for TD among patients receiving DRBA medications, recommending the use of standardized rating scales as endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association. The statistics highlighted in the resolution indicate that around 10 to 30 percent of patients on DRBAs may develop TD, with the projected number of Californians facing this condition exceeding 60,000. By declaring a special week, the Assembly aims to inform healthcare providers and the public about the risks associated with these medications and the importance of early detection to improve the quality of life for patients.
House Resolution 80 (AR80), introduced by Assembly Member Mullin on February 3, 2020, seeks to establish the week of May 3, 2020, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. This resolution aims to raise awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder linked to the prolonged use of certain psychiatric medications known as dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs). These medications are often prescribed for serious, chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. While beneficial for treatment, these medications pose significant risks of developing TD, which can lead to involuntary and erratic movements, causing distress and isolation for those affected.
One notable contention surrounding the awareness of Tardive Dyskinesia involves the stigmatization faced by patients suffering from this disorder. Many individuals experience embarrassment due to their involuntary movements, which can lead them to withdraw from social interactions. Additionally, caregivers of those with TD face numerous challenges in managing the condition, suggesting a broader need for community support. Proponents of AR80 argue that enhanced awareness will foster a more informed healthcare system enabling better patient management and support structures, while opponents might question the effectiveness of awareness weeks in driving substantial policy changes or healthcare improvements.