CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

98

Introduced by Senator Blakespear

(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Jones, Laird, Niello, and Umberg)

April 27, 2026

Relative to Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.

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 55 years of age or older, Black individuals, women, individuals with mood or substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, or central nervous system injuries, and those with high cumulative antipsychotic exposure; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 60 percent of the estimated 800,000 adults in the United States 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 health care providers to assess TD risk, receive TD screenings, and determine appropriate treatment together; and

WHEREAS, Treatments approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for TD can provide options for symptom management and improved quality of life for many individuals living with TD; and

WHEREAS, California can encourage 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 clinical best practices, including regular TD screenings; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate proclaims the first full week in May 2026 as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” (TDAW), and, in recognition and support of TDAW, underscores the importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for people living with mental health conditions and prescribed antipsychotics and supports efforts to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of TD and the importance of routine TD screening; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.