A resolution designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
By establishing Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, HR18 seeks to highlight the need for increased recognition of TD, which affects many individuals undergoing treatment for mental health issues. The resolution underscores the significance of appropriate diagnosis and management of TD, as well as the potential for improving patient quality of life through better awareness and education. Additionally, this measure acknowledges the historical challenges that have hindered proper recognition and treatment of the disorder, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for affected individuals.
House Resolution 18 (HR18) is a resolution that designates the week of May 1, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The resolution aims to raise awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder that can occur in patients receiving treatment with dopamine receptor blocking agents, commonly used for severe mental illnesses and certain gastrointestinal disorders. The resolution emphasizes the importance of recognizing TD and encourages education and awareness among both the public and the medical community. It sets out the need for screening protocols for patients at risk, particularly those being treated for chronic mental illnesses.
While HR18 is largely a resolution advocating for awareness, it signifies a crucial step in addressing the broader issues surrounding neurological disorders and the effects of long-term treatments with specific medications. The resolution draws attention to the fact that TD can often be misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to further complications and unnecessary treatments. Advocacy for awareness can lead to discussions around healthcare practices and the need for more rigorous training and guidelines for practitioners managing patients at risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia.