WHEREAS, The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, but
researchers are pursuing a theory that the antibodies produced
during a streptococcal infection mistakenly attack a part of the
brain called the basal ganglia, which is responsible for
movement and behavior; and
WHEREAS, PANDAS is often misdiagnosed and mistreated due to
limited knowledge and awareness of the disorder among the
general public and medical community; and
WHEREAS, Given that there are currently no approved lab tests
or consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of PANDAS,
clinicians must use clinical diagnostic criteria and subjective
judgment; and
WHEREAS, Treatment options for children suffering from PANDAS
are the same for the standard treatment of OCD and tic
disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy and anti-
obsessional medications, but antibiotics and intravenous
immunoglobulin may also be used; and
WHEREAS, The PANDAS Network, a nonprofit organization that
raises awareness of PANDAS, estimates that as many as 1 in 200
children have PANDAS in the United States, although the true
prevalence of the disorder is unknown; and
WHEREAS, Researchers at the National Institute of Mental
Health are currently conducting research on the cause of the
disorder and more effective treatment for children, but PANDAS
remains the subject of much debate and controversy; and
WHEREAS, It is evident that greater awareness of PANDAS is
necessary in the medical community in order to encourage
research on this life-altering disorder and more must be done to
increase awareness activities at the national, State and local
levels; therefore be it
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