New Resolution Designates First Week of May to Raise Awareness for Undiagnosed Movement Disorder

This resolution officially designates the first full week in May as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week." The goal is straightforward: to shine a light on Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a serious, often overlooked movement disorder that can be a side effect of certain antipsychotic medications.

TD causes uncontrollable, repetitive movements, often of the face, limbs, or torso. The resolution highlights a critical public health gap: an estimated 800,000 adults in the U.S. live with TD, but about 60 percent of them are currently undiagnosed. This isn't just a clinical problem; even mild symptoms can cause significant social stigma and negatively impact a person's life, making early detection urgent.

The Antipsychotic Connection

Antipsychotics are essential medications used to manage serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. However, the resolution emphasizes that these medications carry a risk of TD. For anyone currently taking these drugs—or caring for someone who is—this awareness week is a nudge toward better patient care.

The resolution specifically points out that certain groups face a higher risk of developing TD, including people over 55, Black individuals, women, and those with mood or substance use disorders. This is important because it directs awareness efforts toward the people who need them most, pushing for tailored screening in these high-risk populations. The text notes that the American Psychiatric Association already recommends routine TD screening, making this resolution a reinforcement of existing clinical best practices.

What This Means for Everyday Healthcare

Since this is a resolution and not a law, it doesn't mandate new spending or regulations. Instead, it serves as a powerful encouragement. It supports efforts to educate healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers on the symptoms and the importance of routine screening.

Think of it this way: if you or your loved one is managing a mental health condition with an antipsychotic, the designation of this awareness week means your doctor’s office, pharmacy, and mental health provider are likely to see more educational materials and reminders about TD. This increased visibility should prompt better conversations during appointments, ensuring that patients receive the regular screenings necessary to catch TD early. The resolution supports the idea that individuals experiencing abnormal movements should consult their providers immediately to assess their TD risk and explore treatment options. Ultimately, this is about ensuring that the side effects of necessary mental health treatment don't go unnoticed, improving the long-term quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people.