House Concurrent Resolution 37

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF MAY 1-7, 2022, AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA (TD) AWARENESS WEEK" THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVELY DIAGNOSING AND TREATING THE DISORDER.

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 the discontinued use of those medications; and

WHEREAS, while 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 Mississippi Legislature can raise awareness of Tardive Dyskinesia in the public and medical community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and acknowledge matters of significance such as Tardive Dyskinesia and the implication of its causes and effects upon an individual's health and wellness for lack of awareness and proper diagnosis:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the week of May 1-7, 2022, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" throughout the State of Mississippi to promote the importance of effectively diagnosing and treating the disorder.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That citizens of Mississippi are encouraged to become better informed about and aware of Tardive Dyskinesia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the State Board of Health and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.