Emilie Meyer
PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections) are conditions that cause a sudden onset of severe OCD symptoms in children. PANS is a more general term that does not specify the type of infection that triggered the symptoms, while PANDAS is a subgroup of PANS that is specifically triggered by strep infections. PANS and PANDAS can be treated with medicines and therapy, and studies have shown that supportive parents can help their children reduce anxiety symptoms. While the conditions can be distressing for parents to witness, they are not permanent, and some studies suggest that about 95% of children will outgrow PANS or PANDAS by adolescence or young adulthood when their immune systems fully mature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can children outgrow PANS? | Some studies suggest that about 95% of kids will outgrow PANS by adolescence or young adulthood when their immune systems fully mature. |
| Can children outgrow PANDAS? | There is some evidence that points to puberty helping reduce symptoms of PANDAS, though it is not proven. In many cases, when the strep infection goes away, PANDAS will subside within a few weeks. However, sometimes, PANDAS will not go away on its own. Children can have a relapse of symptoms every few months for years. PANDAS usually doesn’t return after the child becomes an adult. |
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What You'll Learn
- PANS and PANDAS are treatable with medicines and therapy
- PANDAS is an autoimmune condition that can follow strep infections
- PANS is a rarer condition that shares symptoms with PANDAS
- PANS and PANDAS can cause a child to become obsessive about handwashing
- PANDAS usually doesn't return after a child becomes an adult
PANS and PANDAS are treatable with medicines and therapy
PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections) are severe forms of acute-onset OCD in children. PANDAS is a subset of PANS. PANS and PANDAS are episodic disorders, with symptoms that can disappear and then reappear.
Treatment also includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for OCD, carried out by a trained mental health provider. Therapy for OCD includes exposure and response prevention, which helps to reduce ritual behaviours. Therapy can also address other behaviour and mood symptoms that may be part of PANDAS or PANS. For example, a therapy called habit reversal can help if a child has tics. Therapists work closely with parents to coach them on ways to help their child's symptoms improve and guide them on how to manage a child's stressful symptoms.
While PANS and PANDAS can be treated with medicines and therapy, it is also important to note that some studies suggest that about 95% of kids will outgrow PANS or PANDAS by adolescence or young adulthood when their immune systems fully mature. There is also some evidence that points to puberty helping reduce symptoms of PANDAS, though it is not proven.
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PANDAS is an autoimmune condition that can follow strep infections
PANS and PANDAS are severe forms of acute-onset OCD in children. PANDAS is a specific type of PANS and is believed to be caused by a streptococcal (strep) infection. Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause infections such as strep throat and scarlet fever. Children with PANDAS often do not complain of a sore throat despite having an infection.
PANDAS stands for "pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections". It is characterised by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or restrictive eating disorder in children before puberty. The symptoms of PANDAS include tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, and other mental and neurological symptoms. These symptoms can be so extreme that a parent may say their child seemed to "change overnight".
PANDAS is believed to be caused by an abnormal immune response to a strep infection. Instead of attacking the infection, the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells in the brain, specifically the basal ganglia. This can lead to inflammation and an abrupt onset of symptoms. The symptoms of PANDAS can include obsessions, compulsions, restricted eating, anger, depression, and separation anxiety.
The treatment for PANDAS includes antibiotics to treat the active strep infection, cognitive behavioural therapy for OCD, and habit reversal training for tics. It is important for parents to be caring and understanding and not overly critical of their child, as this can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
While PANDAS can have a significant impact on a child's life, it is important to note that the condition does not usually last forever. Studies suggest that about 95% of children will outgrow PANS or PANDAS by adolescence or young adulthood when their immune systems fully mature.
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PANS is a rarer condition that shares symptoms with PANDAS
PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) is a rare condition that shares symptoms with PANDAS. PANDAS is a subgroup of PANS and is specifically associated with an infection from streptococcal (strep) bacteria, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. PANS, on the other hand, is triggered by other infections, including Lyme disease, mononucleosis, mycoplasma (walking pneumonia), and the flu (such as H1N1).
Both PANS and PANDAS can cause a sudden onset of severe OCD symptoms in children. These symptoms can include obsessions, compulsions, or both. For example, a child may develop intense fears or concerns about things being clean or dirty. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors, such as constant handwashing or walking in and out of a doorway multiple times.
In addition to OCD symptoms, PANS and PANDS can also cause other neurological and behavioral changes. These can include restricted eating, anger, depression, deterioration of motor skills, tics, visual or auditory hallucinations, sensitivity to light and sound, sleep disturbances, and extreme moodiness. The symptoms of PANS and PANDAS can vary in severity and duration, and they may come and go over time.
The exact causes of PANS are still not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by an abnormal immune response to an infection. This immune response leads to inflammation in the brain, which affects thoughts, feelings, movement, and behavior. Treatment for PANS and PANDAS focuses on addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and supporting the immune system. While there is currently no cure for PANS or PANDAS, early treatment with antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help minimize the severity of symptoms and improve outcomes.
It is important to note that PANS and PANDAS are rare and lesser-known disorders, and they are often mistaken for other conditions. If you think your child may have PANS or PANDAS, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and provide guidance and support during this challenging time.
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PANS and PANDAS can cause a child to become obsessive about handwashing
PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are severe forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that appear suddenly in young children. PANDAS is a subtype of PANS. Both disorders are characterised by a sudden and severe onset of OCD or restrictive eating disorder in children before puberty. PANS and PANDAS are also associated with noticeable changes in mood, behaviour, and sensory and motor function in children.
PANS and PANDAS can be caused by an abnormal immune response to an infection. Instead of attacking the germs, the immune system targets a part of the brain by mistake, specifically the basal ganglia, which affects thoughts, feelings, movement, and other behaviours. This abnormal immune response can be triggered by various infections, including strep, flu, Lyme disease, mycoplasma, chickenpox, and other viruses, including COVID-19.
The OCD symptoms in children with PANS and PANDS differ from typical OCD symptoms in that the obsessions or compulsions come on suddenly, usually within a day or two after the onset of the initial infection. Children with PANS and PANDAS will have sudden and severe obsessions, compulsions, or both. Compulsions may include repetitive behaviours such as handwashing, touching, or repeating things, and feeling unable to stop. They may also have new and intense fears or concerns about things being clean or dirty.
While PANS and PANDAS can cause significant distress to both children and their families, it is important to remember that these disorders are treatable. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention, can help reduce ritual behaviours and address other behaviour and mood symptoms associated with PANS and PANDAS. Antidepressant or anti-obsessional medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be effective in reducing symptoms. Additionally, treating the underlying infection with antibiotics and addressing the immune system dysfunction through intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy are crucial components of the treatment approach.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that PANS and PANDAS are not permanent conditions. Studies suggest that about 95% of children will outgrow PANS or PANDAS by adolescence or young adulthood when their immune systems fully mature. During this time, supportive and empathetic parenting, along with professional therapy and medical treatment, can play a crucial role in helping children manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
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PANDAS usually doesn't return after a child becomes an adult
PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections) is a condition that causes a sudden onset of behavioural and neurological problems after a streptococcal-A (strep) infection. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the brain. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including severe OCD, anxiety, depression, aggression, and uncontrollable body movements.
While PANDAS typically affects children between the ages of 1 to 13, with 8-year-olds being at the highest risk, it is not limited to childhood. In rare cases, adults can also develop PANDAS, although there is limited research on this. However, it is important to note that PANDAS usually does not return after a child becomes an adult. Once the underlying strep infection is treated and the child's immune system fully matures, the PANDAS symptoms typically subside and do not reoccur in adulthood.
The reason PANDAS is less likely to return in adulthood is twofold. Firstly, PANDAS is primarily associated with strep infections, which are more common in children than adults. As adults have a more developed immune system, they are less susceptible to strep infections, reducing the risk of triggering PANDAS. Secondly, as the child's immune system matures, it becomes better at distinguishing between healthy cells and foreign invaders, decreasing the likelihood of the immune system attacking the brain and causing PANDAS symptoms.
While PANDAS typically resolves by adolescence or young adulthood, it is important to note that some individuals may experience lingering effects or vulnerabilities. For example, individuals who had PANDAS as children may still be more susceptible to anxiety, OCD, or other mental health challenges later in life. Additionally, there is a small risk of relapse, even in adulthood, if the individual contracts a strep infection or another triggering infection. However, these cases are rare, and the majority of individuals who had PANDAS as children do not experience a recurrence in adulthood.
Overall, while PANDAS can have a significant impact on a child's life, it is usually a condition that they will outgrow. With proper treatment and support, most children can recover fully and go on to live healthy adult lives without the return of PANDAS symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes a severe form of acute OCD. PANDAS is a subgroup of PANS and stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.
PANS and PANDAS can cause abrupt and severe behavioural changes in children, including obsessions, compulsions, and other neurological and physical disturbances.
While there is currently limited data on PANDAS, there is some evidence that suggests puberty can help reduce symptoms. Some studies also suggest that about 95% of children will outgrow PANS or PANDAS by adolescence or young adulthood when their immune systems fully mature.
