2024 House Resolution 325

Whereas, Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal (PANDAS) create the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children, causing previously healthy and emotionally adjusted children to experience severe anxiety and emotional disturbances; and

Whereas, Children with PANS and PANDAS tend to manifest some of the following symptoms: tics or other abnormal movements, severe separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, irritability, aggression, personality changes, ADHD, marked deterioration in learning and school performance, and developmental regression, including deterioration in handwriting; and

Whereas, PANS is broader than PANDAS as it includes not only disorders associated with a preceding infection, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, mono, Lyme, viruses, and more, but also acute onset non-infectious triggers, such as environmental factors and metabolic dysfunction. Treatment plans for PANS similar to those for PANDAS should be attempted; and

Whereas, Children with PANS and PANDAS may experience moderate to dramatic improvement with antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, or plasmapheresis; and

Whereas, Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health are currently engaged in extensive research and testing on how to effectively treat PANS and PANDAS; and

Whereas, PANS and PANDAS has been estimated to affect approximately one out of every 200 children in the United States and is likely to be as common as pediatric cancer and pediatric diabetes; and

Whereas, It is imperative to educate the public to increase awareness of PANS and PANDAS and to work towards further research of this serious health issue; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 19, 2024, as PANS and PANDAS Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.