Senate Resolution No. 1512
BY: Senator RIVERA
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 4-10, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week
in the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2026, as Tardive
Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major
depressive disorder, and schizophrenia often require treatment with
antipsychotic medications for effective management, and antipsychotic
prescribing rates continue to rise; and
WHEREAS, While prolonged antipsychotic use may be essential for the
treatment of certain conditions, it is associated with tardive
dyskinesia (TD)-a condition marked by uncontrollable, abnormal, and
repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities; and
WHEREAS, People at higher risk of TD include those older than 55
years, Black individuals, women, individuals with mood or substance use
disorders, individuals with intellectual disabilities, central nervous
system injuries, and those with high cumulative antipsychotic exposure;
and
WHEREAS, Approximately 60% of the estimated 800,000 U.S. adults
living with TD remain undiagnosed, and even mild TD symptoms can be
stigmatizing and impair physical, social, and emotional well-being,
underscoring the urgency of early screening, detection, and
intervention; and
WHEREAS, The American Psychiatric Association recommends routine TD
screening in their clinical guidelines for antipsychotic treatment, and
individuals treated with antipsychotics or experiencing abnormal
movements should consult their healthcare providers to assess TD risk,
receive TD screenings, and determine appropriate treatment together; and
WHEREAS, FDA-approved treatments for TD can provide options for
symptom management and improved quality of life for many individuals;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of TD
screening education and awareness for health care providers, patients,
and care partners to help ensure patients prescribed antipsychotics
receive care and support that aligns with best clinical practices,
including regular TD screenings; and
WHEREAS, Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week underscores the
importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for
people living with mental health conditions and who are prescribed
antipsychotics, and supports efforts to raise awareness about the causes
and symptoms of TD and the importance of routine TD screening; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2026, as Tardive
Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
