SENATE RESOLUTION 16
(By Senator Rucker)
[Introduced February 27, 2025]
Designating the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
Whereas, Serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia often require treatment with antipsychotic medications for effective management, and antipsychotic prescribing rates continue to rise; and
Whereas, While prolonged antipsychotic use may be essential for the treatment of certain conditions, it is associated with tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition marked by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities; and
Whereas, People at higher risk of TD include those older than 55 years, Black individuals, women, individuals with mood or substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, or central nervous system injuries, and those with high cumulative antipsychotic exposure; and
Whereas, Approximately 60 percent of the estimated 800,000 U.S. adults living with TD remain undiagnosed and even mild TD symptoms can be stigmatizing and impair physical, social, and emotional well-being, underscoring the urgency of early screening, detection, and intervention; and
Whereas, The American Psychiatric Association recommends routine TD screening in its clinical guidelines for antipsychotic treatment and individuals treated with antipsychotics or experiencing abnormal movements should consult their health care providers to assess TD risk, receive TD screenings, and determine appropriate treatment together; and
Whereas, FDA-approved treatments for TD can provide options for symptom management and improved quality of life for many individuals living with TD; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Senate can encourage TD screening education and awareness for health care providers, patients, and care partners to help ensure patients prescribed antipsychotics receive care and support that aligns with clinical best practice, including regular TD screenings; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week; and, be it
Further Resolved, That in recognition and support of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, the Senate underscores the importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for people living with mental health conditions and prescribed antipsychotics, and supports efforts to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of TD and the importance of routine TD screening; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Neurocrine Biosciences, c/o Karla Kiriako, 905 Juniper Street, NE, Unit 816, Atlanta, GA 30309.