Peters Reintroduces Resolution to Commemorate Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), and Aaron Bean (FL-04) introduced a resolution to commemorate May 3-9 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 60 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 Americans, it remains a relatively unknown condition – even to many doctors. This can cause 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 critically important that we continue to raise awareness of TD so that individuals living with this often-debilitating movement disorder are recognized, understood, and able to access the care they need,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Official recognition of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week is a meaningful step forward - it will encourage earlier screenings, improve diagnosis, and help break down the stigma that too often prevents patients from seeking help. I am especially grateful to the National Organization for Tardive Dyskinesia, headquartered in my district in Florida, for their unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and ensuring that patients and their families receive the support and resources they deserve.”

"I’m proud to join my colleagues in raising awareness for tardive dyskinesia, which affects hundreds of thousands of Americans and their families every year," said Rep. Mullin. "It's estimated that nearly 60% of cases aren't diagnosed, which makes raising awareness about the possible causes, risks and treatments critical. 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 Congressman Peters in recognizing TD Awareness Week during the first full week of May. 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,” said Rep. Bean.

"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, President of the National Organization For Tardive Dyskinesia (NOTD). "An estimated 800,000 people in the U.S. have tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder caused by certain prescription medications. Unfortunately, we believe 60% of those with TD have not been 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."

Rep. Peters has led this resolution for the past four years [2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025]. Read the full resolution here.

###