LANSING, Mich., May 6, 2022 – State Representative Angela Witwer (Delta Township) introduced a resolution yesterday to recognize May 1-7, 2022, as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week in the state of Michigan as a part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The goal of TD Awareness Week is to help raise awareness and support for people living with the condition. Some people living with a mental health condition may also experience TD, an involuntary movement disorder that is associated with taking certain mental health medicines, such as antipsychotics, that treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder and anxiety disorder.
“In Michigan, about 1.3 million adults live with a mental illness,” Witwer said. “It is critical that we support and remember that those living with a mental illness who take antipsychotics for a prolonged time may develop or already have Tardive Dyskinesia. We must continue to raise awareness around this involuntary movement disorder, which may have an impact on patients physically, emotionally and socially. Mental Health Awareness Month is a good time to educate one another about this disorder.”
TD affects about 600,0000 people in the U.S. The uncontrollable movements of TD may appear mild, moderate or severe and can occur in one or more areas. These movements are often seen in the face, torso, and/or other body parts.
To learn more about TD and for additional resources, visit TalkAboutTD.com.