Tillie Doyle
PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) are severe forms of OCD that appear suddenly in young children, accompanied by other distressing symptoms. PANS may be triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors. PANDAS, a subtype of PANS, is specifically associated with a strep infection. Both conditions share similar symptoms, including compulsions, obsessions, tics, anxiety, and mood changes. ADHD, on the other hand, is a separate condition that may exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in PANS and PANDAS, such as hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and poor attention skills. However, ADHD does not involve the same acute onset of OCD symptoms or the same association with infections, particularly strep infections.
| Characteristics | ADHD |
|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual |
| Symptoms | Hyperactivity, poor attention skills, inability to sit still, interrupting conversations, performing simple tasks |
| Treatment | N/A |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Symptoms | Tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, anger, depression, anxiety, mood changes, irritability, sadness, laughing or crying at inappropriate times, clinginess, inattentiveness, repetitive behaviours, restricted eating, fear of contamination, choking or vomiting |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, cognitive behavioural therapy, SSRI medication |
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What You'll Learn
- PANS is triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors, while PANDAS is specifically associated with strep infections
- PANS may be accompanied by symptoms like compulsions, obsessions, and mood changes
- PANDAS is a subtype of PANS and is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy areas of the body, including the brain
- ADHD-like symptoms are included in the PANS diagnostic criteria
- PANS and PANDAS are not traditional autoimmune disorders, but both involve an immune response that targets the brain after an infection
PANS is triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors, while PANDAS is specifically associated with strep infections
PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions characterised by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or restrictive eating disorders in pre-pubescent children. They are also associated with noticeable changes in mood, behaviour, and sensory and motor function.
PANS may be triggered by various infections, including Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr, mononucleosis, mycoplasma, and the flu, as well as immune system issues or environmental factors, such as mould exposure and long-haul COVID. The exact causes of PANS are still unknown, but one theory suggests that it is triggered by an immune response leading to inflammation in the brain.
On the other hand, PANDAS is a subtype of PANS specifically associated with streptococcal (strep) infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. It is triggered by Group A strep bacteria, which causes an immune response that leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms. When the body's immune system fights the infection, it may mistakenly attack healthy areas of the brain, resulting in the sudden development of OCD, tics, anxiety, and rage.
While PANS and PANDAS share many similar symptoms, the distinction lies in their triggers. PANS is triggered by a broader range of infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors, whereas PANDAS is specifically associated with strep infections.
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PANS may be accompanied by symptoms like compulsions, obsessions, and mood changes
PANS, or Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, may be accompanied by symptoms like compulsions, obsessions, and mood changes. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours that a person feels the urge to do. Obsessions are uncontrollable and recurring thoughts. Mood changes can manifest as irritability, sadness, or a tendency to laugh or cry unexpectedly and inappropriately.
PANS is often accompanied by symptoms of OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD symptoms can appear suddenly and intensely in young children, accompanied by other confusing and distressing symptoms. For example, a child with OCD may suddenly start asking for constant reassurance or engage in endless handwashing. They may also become obsessive about food, severely restricting what they will eat due to acute fears of contamination, choking, or vomiting.
PANS and PANDAS (a subtype of PANS) are both thought to cause similar symptoms that come on suddenly. However, PANDAS is specifically associated with a strep infection, whereas PANS may be triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors. PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It describes a group of conditions thought to affect children who have had strep infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever.
PANS and PANDAS can be difficult to distinguish from other disorders, including ADHD. However, the sudden and dramatic onset of symptoms is a key characteristic of PANS and PANDAS. Children with PANS or PANDAS may experience a decline in academic performance, with new onset ADHD-like behaviours such as poor attention skills, difficulty sitting still, and interrupting conversations. These ADHD-like symptoms can impact school performance and are often accompanied by increased anxiety.
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PANDAS is a subtype of PANS and is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy areas of the body, including the brain
PANS, or paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, is a rare condition that causes severe and acute OCD symptoms in young children, accompanied by other confusing and distressing symptoms. PANDAS is a subtype of PANS. While PANS may be triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors, PANDAS is specifically associated with a streptococcal (strep) bacterial infection.
PANDAS is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy areas of the body, including the brain. This is known as a misdirected immune response, which mimics human brain tissue. This response can lead to an array of mental health symptoms, including the acute onset of OCD, tics, and other behavioural changes. The symptoms of PANDAS can be intense, occurring quickly and unexpectedly, and may come and go over time. They can include compulsions, obsessions, anxiety, and mood changes.
PANDAS syndrome is a group of symptoms that can affect children who have had strep infections. These symptoms include tics and obsessive-compulsive behaviour. The onset of PANDAS is very sudden, with a sharp worsening of symptoms, followed by a slow, gradual improvement. The exact prevalence of PANDAS is unknown, but it is considered rare. It is important to note that PANDAS is not a traditional autoimmune disorder, but it does involve an immune response that mistakenly targets the brain after an infection.
PANDAS and PANS share many of the same symptoms, and it is recommended that individuals with these conditions seek medical attention from a knowledgeable doctor. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat the underlying strep infection and reduce PANDAS symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also help children manage mental and emotional difficulties associated with PANDAS.
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ADHD-like symptoms are included in the PANS diagnostic criteria
PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is a severe form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that appears suddenly in young children, accompanied by other distressing symptoms. To diagnose PANS, a patient must fulfil certain criteria, including an abrupt, acute, dramatic onset of OCD or severely restricted food intake.
ADHD-like symptoms associated with PANS can greatly impact school performance. For instance, teachers may notice that a child with PANS is not paying attention in class and that their handwriting has deteriorated.
PANS symptoms typically begin during the grade-school years, but there is no age limitation. Symptoms can also have their initial onset during adolescence. In contrast, PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) requires symptom onset prior to puberty.
It is important to note that PANS is not the same as ADHD, but rather, ADHD-like symptoms can be present as part of PANS. To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional or healthcare provider will assess an individual's symptoms against the diagnostic criteria. This includes evaluating the presence of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as considering the individual's functioning and developmental level.
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PANS and PANDAS are not traditional autoimmune disorders, but both involve an immune response that targets the brain after an infection
PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) are severe forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that appear suddenly in young children, accompanied by other confusing and distressing symptoms. PANDAS is a subtype of PANS and is specifically associated with a streptococcal (strep) bacterial infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. PANS may be triggered by various infections, including Lyme disease or influenza, as well as immune system issues or environmental factors.
PANS and PANDAS can be distinguished from ADHD by their sudden onset of symptoms, which can include restricted eating, anger, depression, anxiety, and mood changes. In contrast, ADHD is typically characterised by long-standing behavioural issues such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, it is important to note that ADHD-like symptoms can be included in the PANS and PANDAS diagnostic criteria if they are newly onset along with other PANS symptoms. For example, a child with PANS or PANDAS may suddenly become easily distracted, have poor attention skills, and be unable to sit still in school.
The treatment for PANS and PANDAS may involve cognitive behavioural therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication, or both, to help manage OCD, anxiety, tics, or eating issues. Antibiotics are also used to treat active strep infections and prevent rheumatic fever. Additionally, a nutritional regime with supplements to repair brain structures and specific probiotics to replace those killed by antibiotic treatment is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. It is characterised by the sudden onset of OCD or restricted food intake, along with at least two other neuropsychiatric symptoms.
ADHD is primarily characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, while PANS is characterised by the sudden onset of OCD or restricted food intake. PANS is often associated with a strep infection, whereas ADHD is not typically linked to a specific infection.
Symptoms of PANS include compulsions, obsessions, tics, anxiety, and mood changes. Children with PANS may become more hyperactive or moody, develop repetitive facial or body movements, or exhibit inattentiveness at school.
The treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medication and behavioural therapy. On the other hand, PANS is often treated with antibiotics to address the underlying strep infection, along with cognitive behavioural therapy and, in some cases, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication to manage OCD, anxiety, tics, or eating issues.
