Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), and Aaron Bean (FL-4), introduced a resolution to commemorate May 5-11 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent and potentially disabling involuntary movement disorder that is associated with taking certain medications prescribed to treat mental illness. TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States, and approximately 65 percent of people with TD have not been diagnosed, making it important to raise awareness about the symptoms.        

“People living with TD often face stigma, which can worsen mental health symptoms and cause withdrawal from society,” said Rep. Peters. “While TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the US, it remains a relatively unknown condition – causing delays in treatment, misdiagnosis, and unnecessary suffering. That is why it is so important for my colleagues and I to shine a light on this awful disorder and highlight the importance of screening for and treating TD.”

“It is important to raise awareness of TD so that patients who are suffering from this debilitating movement disorder can get the help they need,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Official recognition of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week will help with screenings and reduce stigmas associated with this disorder. I want to thank the National Organization for Tardive Dyskinesia, which is based in my district in Florida, for its tireless efforts to help these patients get the care and support they deserve.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in raising awareness for tardive dyskinesia, which affects thousands of Americans and their families every year,” said Rep. Mullin. “Increased screenings and research investments are crucial to understanding and treating TD and other rare disorders to improve the lives of patients.”

“I’m honored to join Representative Peters in recognizing TD Awareness Week during the first full week of May,” said Rep. Bean.  “With more than 600,000 Americans suffering from this involuntary movement disorder, it’s important that we continue to raise awareness to help decrease stigma, to improve recognition, and to ensure patients receive the care they need,” 

"By introducing this resolution in the House of Representatives Congressman Scott Peters demonstrates his commitment to the health of our nation's citizens," said Bill Cote, Senior Director of National Organization For Tardive Dyskinesia (NOTD). "An estimated 750,000 people in the U.S. have tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder caused by certain prescription medications. Unfortunately, we believe only 30% of those with TD have been formally diagnosed. By shining a light on this condition, Congressman Peters is helping raise awareness of TD and helping those who have the disorder get properly screened and treated."