PANDAS is an acronym that stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.

PANS is an acronym that stands for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.

PANS

• Can be triggered by wider variety of infections or environmental stressors

• Can affect kids and teens but also adults too

PANDAS

• Mainly linked to strep infection

• Mainly kids and sometimes teens

PANS and PANDAS are very common but we don’t know the exact number is cases. However, PANS and PANDAS are often misdiagnosed or overlooked, as many do not recognize a potential underlying cause for the patient’s symptoms.

Signs of PANDAS can be different for each person, causing both behavioral and neurological symptoms. These are some of the most common symptoms.

• Anxiety

• OCD

• Aggressiveness

• Depression

• Sleep problems

• Tics or unusual movements

• Sensory issues

• Loss of academic skills

• And many more

Click here to see a visual of PANS/PANDAS symptoms created by Aspire

The approach to treating PANDAS depends on the individual’s symptoms and how severe they are. Treatment generally involves three steps: symptom management, removing any inflammatory triggers, and correcting immune system imbalances. This may include the following:

• Antibiotics

• IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy)

• Steroids

• Tonsillectomy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory medications

• Dietary Changes

PANDAS can be difficult to diagnose and treat because its symptoms often overlap with other conditions like OCD, ADHD, and anxiety. There is also limited awareness among medical professionals and no single test that can confirm PANDAS. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical assessment, including symptom evaluation, medical history, and lab tests. Treatment can vary depending on the child’s symptoms and may require a combination of medical and psychiatric care, which not all providers are familiar with.

You can help raise awareness by sharing information about PANDAS with friends, schools, and healthcare providers. Supporting or organizing local awareness events, wearing PANDAS awareness gear, and sharing stories on social media can also make a big impact. To support research, consider donating to organizations dedicated to PANDAS research and advocacy, or participating in clinical studies if eligible. Every effort helps bring more attention, funding, and understanding to this condition.