PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions that can lead to a multidude of neuropsychiatric symptoms. These syndromes are often challenging to diagnose and treat, affecting both the child and their family significantly. PANS and PANDAS is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms, physical examination and medical history.

What is PANS?

PANS is defined by the onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or severe eating restrictions, along with at least two additional neuropsychiatric symptoms. These symptoms can include anxiety, mood swings, depression, irritability, aggression, developmental regression, and motor or sensory abnormalities. PANS is triggered by various infections, environmental factors, and other autoimmune processes.

Symptoms of PANS

·       Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

·       Severe eating restrictions

·       Anxiety

·       Mood swings or depression

·       Irritability and aggression

·       Developmental regression

·       Motor or sensory abnormalities

What is PANDAS

PANDAS is a subset of PANS, specifically linked to streptococcal infections. The condition is characterized by a sudden onset of OCD or tic disorders following a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. PANDAS is believed to result from the body's immune response to the infection, which mistakenly targets brain tissue, leading to neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Symptoms of PANDAS

·       Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

·       Tic disorders

·       Anxiety

·       Emotional instability

·       Sleep disturbances

·       Enuresis (bedwetting) or urinary frequency

·       Fine motor skill deterioration e.g. handwriting