DESIGNATING MAY 3 – 9, 2026, AS “TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. K. Johnson

Sens. Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Sokola; Reps. Berry, Burns, Bush, Carson, Minor-Brown, Ross Levin

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 184

DESIGNATING MAY 3 – 9, 2026, AS “TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, many people living with serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, or gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis, nausea, vomiting, and severe upset stomach, may be treated with medications that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents, including antipsychotics and antiemetics; and

WHEREAS, while ongoing treatment with these medications can be necessary and life-changing, long-term use may increase the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, fingers, or toes; and

WHEREAS, even mild symptoms of TD can affect an individual’s quality of life, including physical functioning, emotional well-being, and social interactions; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 600,000 people in the United States are living with TD, and approximately 65% of people with TD have not been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of improved awareness, screening, and diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, according to interim results from the IMPACT-TD Registry, the largest study evaluating the real-world effects of tardive dyskinesia, fewer individuals with a psychotic disorder had received a diagnosis of TD compared to those with mood disorders (36% vs. 50%), despite similar symptom severity, demonstrating the need for increased clinical vigilance and monitoring; and

WHEREAS, the American Psychiatric Association recommends regular screening for TD, and it is important that individuals taking dopamine receptor blocking medications be routinely monitored by their healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, advances in clinical research have led to the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of treatments for adults living with TD, and timely recognition and treatment can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions; and

WHEREAS, increasing public and clinical awareness can help ensure earlier identification of symptoms and improved access to care, and the Department of Health and Social Services can play an important role in supporting education and awareness efforts across Delaware.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the week of May 3 – 9, 2026, is designated as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this General Assembly encourages individuals who experience uncontrollable, abnormal, or repetitive movements to consult their healthcare provider regarding their symptoms.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this General Assembly encourages all Delawareans to learn more about tardive dyskinesia and to support awareness of this condition.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution designates May 3 – 9, 2026, as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” in the State of Delaware to raise awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder associated with certain medications, and encourages individuals experiencing symptoms to consult their healthcare provider.

Author: Senator Poore