A RESOLUTION to designate the week of May 1-7, 2023, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Tennessee.
Impact
By officially recognizing this week, the resolution seeks to encourage education and awareness initiatives within the state. It intends to facilitate discussions among healthcare providers, patients, and the general public regarding the symptoms and implications of TD. The recognition also serves as a reminder for medical professionals to monitor patients on DRBAs for signs of TD, aligning with guidelines suggested by the American Psychiatric Association.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 573 (SJR0573) aims to designate the week of May 1-7, 2023, as 'Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week' in Tennessee. This resolution emphasizes the significance of raising awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a serious involuntary movement disorder affecting individuals treated with dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), primarily for mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The bill outlines that timely screening and awareness are crucial, as many with TD remain undiagnosed, potentially affecting their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Contention
While the bill does not appear to have significant points of contention, the underlying issues it addresses could resonate with advocacy groups focused on mental health awareness and treatment standards. Some stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of awareness weeks in actually improving diagnosis rates and treatment outcomes, particularly given the prevalence of underdiagnosis in populations affected by TD. However, the general aim of promoting understanding and support for those suffering from TD is likely to receive broad support.
Voting_history
The bill was passed unanimously in a floor vote on April 21, 2023, with 29 votes in favor and none against, demonstrating a collective agreement on the importance of this issue among legislators.