PANDAS is often suspected when suddenly a child develops “neuropsychiatric” symptoms—such as obsessions and compulsions, involuntary tics, or mood changes—after a strep infection.
Defined in the mid-nineties by Dr. Susan Swedo, PANDAS stands for “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections.” The simple explanation of this long term is that a strep infection is causing an immune response that’s affecting the brain of a child, causing changes in behavior.
PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) is a newer term that explains similar sudden symptoms caused by strep as well as other infections and non-infectious triggers. (PANDAS is a type of PANS.) Please see this article on PANS: “Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome”)
In additional to challenges a family faces in dealing with a child’s symptoms, PANS in general and PANDAS in particular is difficult because:
The good news is that progress is being made, and children can be treated successfully.
We have addressed these issues in the sections below as well as in our e-book Your Child Has Changed. Should you Consider PANDAS? Let’s Talk
Related articles are shown below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can search using the box at the upper right of the page or browse our forums. We host the largest international forum on PANS/PANDAS and related conditions.
Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Symptom Scale ~ Parent Version If you have a child with PANS or PANDAS, have you wondered where your child’s symptoms fall on a scale of intensity compared to others? Is the […]
Jon C Rees, a researcher well published in scientific journals, has developed a remarkable hypothesis that the root cause of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) may […]
This article on PANDAS: Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and the PANS Project was updated November 7, 2013 When we see our child develop an illness that causes behaviors to suddenly, dramatically change, we expect to […]
We’ve compiled a list of published research articles on PANDAS and PANS, presented in chronological order. The controversy surrounding these conditions is reflected in the research. Many of the publications are offered as full (free) […]
Dealing with a condition like PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) is stressful enough for a parent, without having to decipher the technical terms involved in laboratory testing. One term that comes […]
Even twenty years after PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) was recognized, after numerous studies have added to evidence in support of the condition, a debate continues over whether PANDAS actually exists. The […]
By Ellen, mother of Tina Editor: Ellen’s story is shared to convey the serious symptoms and struggles that can occur with an infection-triggered neurological disorder, as well as the determination often needed to find help. […]
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep This article is adapted with permission from the Children’s and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety. Founded and directed by Tamar Chansky, PhD, a leading expert on anxiety and OCD, the […]