Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE THE WEEK OF MAY 1-8, 2022, AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, many people with serious, chronic mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting, require treatment with medications that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), including antipsychotics; and
Whereas, while ongoing treatment with these medications can be very helpful and even lifesaving for many people, it can also lead to Tardive Dyskinesia (TD); and
Whereas, Tardive Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is characterized by random, involuntary, and uncontrolled movements of different muscles in the face, trunk, and extremities; and
Whereas, Tardive Dyskinesia can develop months, years, or decades after a person starts taking DRBAs and even after they have discontinued use of those medications. Not everyone who takes a DRBA develops TD, but if it develops it is often permanent; and
Whereas, it is estimated that over 600,000 Americans suffer from Tardive Dyskinesia. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, one in every four patients receiving long-term treatment with an antipsychotic medication will experience Tardive Dyskinesia; and
Whereas, years of difficult and challenging research have resulted in recent scientific breakthroughs, with two new treatments for Tardive Dyskinesia approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration; and
Whereas, Tardive Dyskinesia is often unrecognized and patients suffering from the illness are commonly misdiagnosed. Regular screening for TD in patients taking DRBA medications is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA); and
Whereas, the Senate can raise awareness of Tardive Dyskinesia in the public and medical community. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize the week of May 1-8, 2022, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the organizers of "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week."
This web page was last updated on January 27, 2022 at 11:20 AM