PANDAS/PANS
Complex Disorders Affecting Children & Their Families
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are medical syndromes in which a child experiences a sudden and dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms—often including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, tics, mood swings, or regression in behavior. These symptoms are believed to be triggered by an abnormal immune response to infections or other physiological stressors. It’s important to note that while the underlying cause is medical and must be addressed by appropriate healthcare providers (such as pediatricians, immunologists, or neurologists), the psychological symptoms and emotional toll can be significant—and that’s where we come in.
At our practice, we provide specialized psychological support for children, adolescents, and adults affected by PANDAS and PANS. These complex and often misunderstood conditions can have a profound impact on emotional and psychological well-being, and we are here to help families navigate these challenges with compassionate, evidence-based treatments.
How do I know if my child has PANS/PANDAS?
Chances are, you don’t know conclusively, as both PANS/PANDAS can be hard to diagnose and families often report feeling like they are on a wild goose chase with appointments to many different providers, all of whom have different opinions. Children with PANDAS or PANS often experience a sudden and dramatic onset of symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, OCD, restricted eating (ARFID), Tics, or a decline in functioning. Many families report feeling like “a switch flipped” and this happened soon after an illness (strep, very high fever, virus, etc.) Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a comprehensive assessment with a provider well versed in PANDAS/PANS is important.
I feel so lost in this. What do I do next?
If you suspect PANDAS or PANS, it's important to seek evaluation from professionals truly familiar with these conditions. Generally speaking, going to your regular Pediatrician or family therapist is not enough. Families benefit from having a team of both medical and mental health providers who understand the complex relationship between infection, inflammation, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Early intervention can help families better understand what is happening and identify appropriate treatment options. The PANDAS Physician Network (link to your left) is a great starting point.
How will therapy help a medical condition?
We do not treatment the medical side of PANDAS/PANS but, most children need psychological support for their symptoms. We provide the evidence-based treatment for some of the most common presentations such as ERP for OCD, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) for parents who find themselves stuck in endless cycles of reassurance or accommodation due to social or separation anxiety, OCD, anxiety around food and more. We also utilize CBIT to treat tic disorder. We do all this under the umbrella of the PANDAS diagnosis (or suspicion of) with compassion, flexibility, and a slow and steady pace.
I’ve been told that a mold, heavy metals, or gluten detox can help?
There are strict treatment guidelines once PANDAS/PANS is suspected and there are no “detoxes” involved. Although mold, heavy metals, and gluten can cause inflammation, these are very VERY rarely the reasoning behind your child’s symptoms. Often offered remedies such as homeopathy or chiropractic care are also NOT evidence based recommendations for PANDAS/PANS.
Schedule a no-cost 15-minute consultation with a PANDAS/PANS specialist.
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