PANS/PANDAS is a controversial neuropsychiatric disorder, affecting children typically between the ages of 3 and 13. PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) is caused by an infection such as influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, chickenpox or a toxic exposure. PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) is an immune response to strep bacteria attacking the basal ganglia of the brain, resulting in inflammation.
The hallmark trait of PANS/PANDAS is a sudden onset of anxiety and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and/or tics, usually within 2-3 days of a strep infection (strep throat, scarlet fever or rheumatic fever) for PANDAS, or viral infection and/or toxic exposure for PANS.
Other features of PANS/PANDAS includes:
1.personality changes
2. sensory issues
3. restrictive eating
4. trouble sleeping
5. bed-wetting
6. decline in math and handwriting skills.
PANS/PANDAS is thought to affect as many as 1 in 200 children, with boys twice as likely as girls to be affected.
PANDAS was first described by Susan Swedo of the National Institutes of Mental Health in the 90s, after she examined children who presented with symptoms of OCD and tic disorders preceded by a strep infection. In 2010 Swedo and colleagues described PANS, which presented with the same symptoms as PANDAS, but without the strep infection.
What is the difference between autism and PANS/PANDAS?
-Autism is a childhood developmental disorder characterized by difficulty in communication and social interaction, along with restricted and/or repetitive behaviors and thought processes. Autism is usually diagnosed by the age of three, which there is currently no universal treatment for.
-PANS/PANDAS is a regression in typically-developing behaviors secondary to a viral or strep infection, or a toxic exposure event, and characterized by sudden onset of OCD and/or tics. The affected child can recover if treatment is started soon after diagnosis.
PANS/PANDAS treatment includes:
1. long-term antibiotic treatment
2. intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
3. plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)
4. removal of tonsils
5. cognitive behavior therapy
What do I do if I suspect that my child has PANS/PANDAS?
Consult your pediatrician, though keep in mind that some physicians do not believe in PANS/PANDAS, or do not understand it. If you are unable to get satisfactory answers from your physician, then you can find a PANS/PANDAS doctor at https://www.pandasppn.org/.
You can visit http://pandasnetwork.org/ for more information on PANS/PANDAS.
And, remember, the sooner we get our child with suspected PANS/PANDAS treated, the more favorable outcome towards a life as a healthy, happy, independent member of society as an adult will be!
Scarlett South is the author of Autistic or Toxic? How I Unlocked the Mystery of My Child’s “Autism,” and the mom of an amazing son who probably had PANS/PANDAS, but was labeled as having autism, instead. You can contact Scarlett at CONTACT and follow Scarlett on Twitter https://twitter.com/ssouthauthor .
Sign up for Scarlett’s newsletter and get the first chapter of Autistic or Toxic? for free! http://www.scarlettsouthauthor
references:
1. pandasnetwork.org
2. PANDAS Physician Network
3. Why Some Doctors Believe PANDAS Isn’t a Real Diagnosis http://www.vinehealthcare.com
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