Campaign helps kids recognize OCD

Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc. and the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation have launched a new public awareness campaign to help children and adults recognize and treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The campaign, "Kids Like Me," will include a children's book, a brochure for parents, a toll-free OCD information line, a Website and television public service announcements featuring former game show host Marc Summers, who has OCD.

OCD is a biological brain disorder thought to be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical seratonin.

According to a recent national survey, adults who had OCD while growing up waited an average of nearly 20 years before they sought treatment. Embarrassment, lack of knowledge about the disorder and fear of becoming misunderstood were the most commonly cited reasons for keeping silent.

The survey was conducted by Ketchum Public Relations Research and Measurement Department. It was sponsored by Solvay, based in Marietta, GA, and Pharmacia & Upjohn of Kalamazoo, MI. PR