Finding Help for Kids Impacted by PANS & PANDAS

Parenting is never without its challenges, but when your child experiences sudden, severe behavior changes, those challenges can feel overwhelming. If you’re noticing such abrupt changes—seemingly out of nowhere—it’s worth considering whether your child might be dealing with PANS or PANDAS. These complex and often misunderstood disorders can take a toll on children and their families, but with the right support and resources, recovery is possible.

This article aims to provide parents with clear, actionable information about PANS and PANDAS, from identifying early signs to finding the right help for your family.

What Are PANS and PANDAS?

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are medical conditions that cause sudden, severe changes in a child’s mood, behavior, and functioning.

PANS is a broader category involving an acute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms triggered by any infection, environmental factors, or other conditions.

PANDAS, a subtype of PANS, specifically involves symptoms triggered by a streptococcal infection (such as strep throat).

Though different in their triggers, both conditions share overlapping symptoms and require swift, accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying PANS/PANDAS early can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for in your child:

• Sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD)
• Tics or involuntary movements and vocalizations
• Severe separation anxiety
• Mood swings, irritability, or aggression
• Regression in academic performance or handwriting (fine motor skills)
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Sensitivity to sensory input (light, sound, touch)
• Changes in eating habits, like restricting food due to fear of choking or contamination

If multiple symptoms appear suddenly and worsen over days or weeks, it’s critical to act quickly.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing PANS/PANDAS requires a collaborative approach, often involving pediatricians, neurologists, immunologists, and mental health professionals. The process typically includes a thorough medical and psychiatric history, physical exams, lab tests to identify triggers (like infections), and neuropsychiatric evaluations.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Antibiotics or Antivirals for identified infections
• Anti-inflammatory Medications to reduce inflammation in the brain
• Psychiatric Medications for symptom relief if appropriate
• IVIG

Integrative and Holistic Treatment Options

In addition to conventional treatments, integrative and holistic approaches can also be beneficial for managing PANS/PANDAS symptoms. These may include:

Diet and Nutrition Intervention

• Avoiding foods that trigger inflammation in the brain, like gluten, dairy, and sugar.
• Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into the diet, such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries.

Supplements

• Probiotics to support gut health
• Vitamins D and C to boost immune function

Mind-body practices

• Yoga or meditation for stress reduction
• Acupuncture
• Homeopathy

Therapy-Based Approaches

• ERP Therapy for OCD and Anxiety: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), combined with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is one of the most effective treatments for managing OCD symptoms.
• CBIT for Tics: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) provides children with tools to better manage involuntary movements or vocal tics.
• Family Therapy: Support for families to reduce the emotional stress that can impact the recovery process.
• Parent Training and Support: help parents manage their child’s symptoms at home.

While these treatments can significantly improve symptoms, every child responds uniquely, so individualized care is key.

The Impact on Families

The effects of PANS/PANDAS ripple throughout the entire family. Parents often experience emotional exhaustion and helplessness while coordinating medical visits and managing behavioral outbursts. Financial strain can add further pressure if multiple specialists and frequent treatments are required. Siblings, too, may feel overlooked or stressed by the abrupt changes at home.

Recognizing this toll is vital. Remember, you’re far from alone—there’s a community of parents, therapists, and healthcare providers ready to offer support.

Finding Support for Your Family

Navigating PANS/PANDAS can feel like uncharted territory, which is why it’s essential to connect with professionals and resources that can guide you.

Tips for Finding Support

• Seek out therapists well-versed in PANS/PANDAS. These professionals understand the nuanced needs of families dealing with these conditions and can provide personalized advice.
• Join support groups to connect with other parents going through similar experiences. Sharing stories, tips, and emotional support can be incredibly validating and helpful.
• Utilize educational resources like books, online articles, and webinars from reputable organizations focused on PANS/PANDAS.
• Work with medical providers specializing in these conditions to ensure an integrated approach to care ranging from testing to treatment.

When working with a knowledgeable therapist, you can also coordinate care between specialists, ensuring your child receives evidence-based therapy like ERP and tailored interventions that account for the complexities of PANS/PANDAS.

Hope and Next Steps

For parents of children impacted by PANS/PANDAS, the road to recovery can feel daunting. But early detection, a clear diagnosis, and comprehensive care make a world of difference. With the right resources and a specialized support network, you can guide your child through this challenge—and toward healing.

At GroundWork CBT, we specialize in helping families like yours. Our therapists are familiar with the intricacies of PANS/PANDAS and can provide effective, evidence-based care (CBT/ERP and CBIT) while collaborating with healthcare providers to create a cohesive treatment plan.

Contact GroundWork today to schedule an initial parent session and take the first step toward understanding your child’s needs. Together, we can work toward a brighter future—one step at a time.