WHEREAS, Many people with serious mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, or gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting, may be treated with medications that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), including antipsychotics; and

WHEREAS, While ongoing treatment with these medications can be necessary, prolonged use can also lead to Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, or other body parts; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States and approximately 70 percent of people with TD remain undiagnosed, making it important to raise awareness about the symptoms and impact of TD because even mild symptoms of TD can have physical, social, and emotional consequences; and

WHEREAS, It is important for people taking DRBA medication to be monitored for TD. Regular screening for TD in these patients is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association; and

WHEREAS, Clinical research has led to the availability of two treatments for adults with TD by the United States Food and Drug Administration; and

WHEREAS, The Assembly can raise awareness of TD in the public and medical community; now, therefore, be it