Senate Resolution No. 467

BY: Senator RIVERA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 1-7, 2023, 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 1-7, 2023 as Tardive
Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and

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, and/or other body
parts; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that TD affects approximately 600,000
people in the U.S., and approximately 70% of people with TD have not
been diagnosed, 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 that people taking DRBA medication be
monitored for TD; regular screening for TD in these patients is
recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA); 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, Anyone experiencing symptoms of TD should consult their
physician for support; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 1-7, 2023 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.