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

WHEREAS, while ongoing treatment with these medications may be necessary, prolonged use is associated with what is known as tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, or repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or fingers or toes; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States and that approximately 65 percent of people with TD have not been diagnosed, making it important to raise awareness about the related symptoms of this disorder; and

WHEREAS, even mild symptoms of TD can impact people physically, socially, and emotionally; it is therefore important that people taking dopamine receptor blocking agents are monitored for TD by a health care provider, as is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association; and

WHEREAS, clinical research has led to the approval of treatments for adults with TD by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an important milestone considering that recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact in the lives of many people experiencing psychotic and mood disorders; and

WHEREAS, by establishing Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, the General Assembly can raise awareness of TD among the public and medical community, as well as encourage anyone experiencing uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements to consult their health care provider regarding their symptoms; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the first week in May, in 2024 and in each succeeding year, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to representatives of the Tardive Dyskinesia community so that its members may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this week on the General Assembly's website.