New article: Disordered Eating and Food Restrictions in Children with PANDAS/PANS

[EAMom]

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/cap.2014.0063

 

here's the abstract, you can read the full-text by clicking the link above

 

Abstract

Objective: Sudden onset clinically significant eating restrictions are a defining feature of the clinical presentation of some of

the cases of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). Restrictions in food intake are typically fueled by

contamination fears; fears of choking, vomiting, or swallowing; and/or sensory issues, such as texture, taste, or olfactory

concerns. However, body image distortions may also be present. We investigate the clinical presentation of PANS disordered

eating and compare it with that of other eating disorders.

Methods: We describe 29 patients who met diagnostic criteria for PANS. Most also exhibited evidence that the symptoms

might be sequelae of infections with Group A streptococcal bacteria (the pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder

associated with streptococcal infections [PANDAS] subgroup of PANS).

Results: The clinical presentations are remarkable for a male predominance (2:1 M:F), young age of the affected children

(mean = 9 years; range 5–12 years), acuity of symptom onset, and comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions: The food refusal associated with PANS is compared with symptoms listed for the new Diagnostic and

Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-V) diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

Treatment implications are discussed, as well as directions for further research.