07 May What is PANDAS and PANS
PANDAS and PANS are both health conditions that frequently look just like OCD. However, treatment of these conditions involves a key difference, and therefore correct diagnosis is important.
PANDAS stands for Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus.
PANS stands for Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.
What is it?
In both PANDAS and PANS the sudden onset of obsessive compulsive symptoms occurrs over just a few days, with the onset being associated with an infectious disease (e.g., strep throat or influenza). This is unlike OCD which may display a gradual emergency of symptoms over weeks or months.
When this occurs a child may also display other abrupt psychological changes including significantly increased symptoms of anxiety, restrictive eating, emotional dysregulation, behavioural regression, depressive symptoms or tics (involuntary movements).
PANDAS/PANS is estimated to occur in 1 in 100 children in US with typical age of onset between 3-12 years of age.
Treatment
Given the associated environmental factor of an infection, treatment of these conditions involves both medication (e.g., antibiotics) AND psychological intervention for the obsessive and compulsive behaviours.
Your GP can run some tests for conditions such as strep infection and if appropriate treatment with antibiotics may be recommended.
Prognosis
If diagnosed early and the cause of infection is identified and treated quickly, children may improve very quickly and see a total resolution of symptoms.
If you notice your child’s obsessive and compulsive symptoms emerging quickly in the context of a physical illness, be sure to mention this to your GP, psychologist or treating health professional.
