Pennsylvania SR 314: A Resolution designating the week of May 4 through 10, 2026, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1712
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 314
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY COLLETT, HUGHES, HAYWOOD, TARTAGLIONE, COSTA,
PHILLIPS-HILL, SANTARSIERO, CAPPELLETTI, VOGEL, KANE,
PISCIOTTANO AND STREET, MAY 7, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MAY 7, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of May 4 through 10, 2026, as "Tardive
Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Many individuals living with serious mental
illnesses, including schizophrenia and other schizoaffective
disorders, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder,
require treatment with antipsychotic medications for effective
management, and antipsychotic prescribing rates in the United
States continue to rise; and
WHEREAS, While ongoing treatment with antipsychotic
medications can be necessary, prolonged use is associated with
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD); and
WHEREAS, TD is a movement disorder characterized by
uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face,
torso, limbs and extremities; and
WHEREAS, TD can develop months, years or decades after an
individual starts taking antipsychotic medications and may
persist even after the individual has discontinued use of those
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medications; and
WHEREAS, Even mild symptoms of TD can be stigmatizing and
impair physical, social and emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, Individuals at higher risk of TD include those over
55 years of age, Black individuals, women, individuals with mood
or substance use disorders, individuals with intellectual
disabilities or central nervous system injuries and those with
high cumulative exposure to antipsychotic medications; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 800,000 adults in the United
States are living with TD, and approximately 60% of those
individuals remain undiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, The American Psychiatric Association recommends
routine TD screening as part of its clinical practice guideline
for the treatment of patients receiving antipsychotic
medications; and
WHEREAS, Treatments approved by the United States Food and
Drug Administration for TD can provide options for symptom
management and improved quality of life for many individuals
living with TD; and
WHEREAS, TD is often unrecognized and individuals living with
the condition are commonly misdiagnosed, underscoring the
urgency of early screening, detection and intervention; and
WHEREAS, The Senate can raise awareness of TD among the
public, the medical community, patients and care partners;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of May 4 through
10, 2026, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate underscore the importance of early
detection and intervention to improve outcomes for individuals
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living with mental health conditions who are prescribed
antipsychotic medications, and support 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 Senate encourage anyone experiencing
uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements to consult
their health care provider regarding their symptoms.
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