obsessive compulsive disorder when an individual experiences
both obsessions and compulsions that interfere with other
important life activities; and
WHEREAS, Obsessive compulsive disorder can begin at any age,
but typically first appears between 10 and 12 years of age, in
the late teenage years or early adulthood; and
WHEREAS, More than 3 million adults in the United States,
approximately 1.2% of the adult population, are currently
diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 500,000 children in the United States
have obsessive compulsive disorder; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 2.3% of American citizens will
struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder at some point in
their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder
grapple with the disorder in varying degrees of severity with
50.6% experiencing severe impairment, 34.8% experiencing
moderate impairment and 14.6% experiencing mild impairment; and
WHEREAS, An average of 14 to 17 years elapse between the time
someone begins experiencing symptoms of obsessive compulsive
disorder until the time they receive appropriate treatment; and
WHEREAS, The majority of individuals suffering from obsessive
compulsive disorder benefit from a combination of therapy and
medicine; and
WHEREAS, First recognized in 2009, "Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder Awareness Week" occurs in the second week of October
each year and is an international effort to increase awareness
and understanding about obsessive compulsive disorder; and
WHEREAS, Through raising awareness, "Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder Awareness Week" seeks to help individuals receive
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