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PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, is a rare but complex condition that affects children.
PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, is a rare but complex condition that affects children. The hallmark of PANDAS is the sudden onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders following a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. This condition is believed to be triggered by the body’s immune response, leading to an autoimmune reaction that affects the brain.
Children with PANDAS may exhibit a rapid and dramatic change in behavior, including the sudden development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, motor or vocal tics, anxiety, emotional lability, and even difficulties with handwriting or academic performance. The onset is typically abrupt and may follow streptococcal infections, although not every strep infection leads to PANDAS.
The underlying mechanism is thought to involve molecular mimicry, where the immune system mistakenly targets specific proteins in the brain that resemble those in the streptococcal bacteria. This autoimmune response can result in inflammation in certain areas of the brain, contributing to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective therapeutic approach for addressing the psychological symptoms associated with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). At Light On Anxiety, our specialized therapists are trained to provide compassionate and evidence-based care for children and adolescents affected by PANDAS.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can be a valuable component of therapy for children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). ERP involves gradually exposing the child to situations or stimuli that trigger their obsessions or compulsions related to PANDAS symptoms while encouraging them to resist engaging in their usual rituals or avoidance behaviors. For example, if a child experiences obsessive thoughts about contamination or fears of harming others, ERP might involve gradually touching objects they perceive as dirty without immediately washing their hands or repeating certain actions without giving in to the urge to undo them. Through repeated exposure to these triggers without engaging in compulsions, ERP helps children learn to tolerate discomfort, reduce anxiety, and break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions associated with PANDAS.
Medication can be an important component of treatment for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), particularly for managing symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, and mood disturbances.
At Light On Anxiety, our team of psychiatric providers collaborates closely with families and other healthcare professionals to assess the individual needs of each child affected by PANDAS and develop personalized medication regimens.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying streptococcal infection triggering PANDAS symptoms, while other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), anti-inflammatory agents, or immunomodulatory drugs may be used to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Our approach to medication management prioritizes safety, efficacy, and collaboration with families to ensure the most appropriate treatment for each child’s unique symptoms while minimizing potential side effects.
At Light On Anxiety, we offer integrated treatment plans that address both the psychological and physiological aspects of PANDAS. Our therapists and psychiatric providers work closely together with families and other healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans to each child’s needs and preferences.
Through this combined approach, we empower families to effectively manage PANDAS symptoms, improve their child’s quality of life, and support their overall well-being and development.
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Your Unique Path to Freedom From PANDAS
Our goal is to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and preferences, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique.
The symptoms associated with PANDAS include:
Motor or vocal tics that can emerge suddenly, resembling conditions like Tourette Syndrome.
Increased levels of anxiety, often manifesting as heightened fear or worry.
Rapid and intense mood swings, with emotions shifting quickly and unpredictably.
Sudden regression in behavior, such as changes in handwriting, academic performance, or toileting habits.
Increased restlessness, impulsivity, or difficulties sustaining attention.
Abnormalities in motor coordination or movements may be observed.
It’s important to note that these symptoms typically arise suddenly, and the onset is associated with a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. Additionally, not every strep infection leads to PANDAS, and the condition is a subject of ongoing research and debate within the medical community.
The terms “PANDAS disorder,” “PANDAS disease,” and “PANDAS syndrome” are often used interchangeably, but they essentially refer to the same condition: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). PANDAS is not classified as a distinct disease or syndrome in the traditional medical sense. Instead, it’s a descriptive term used to characterize a subset of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders believed to be triggered by streptococcal infections.
PANDAS is believed to be triggered by streptococcal infections, particularly group A Streptococcus (GAS).
The concept of PANDAS is primarily associated with children and adolescents. However, a similar condition called PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) has been proposed to encompass cases where neuropsychiatric symptoms occur in response to various infections, not limited to streptococcal infections. While the term “PANS” emphasizes pediatric onset, some researchers and clinicians recognize that similar autoimmune and neuropsychiatric mechanisms may occur in adults
The natural course of PANDAS is not fully understood. While some children may experience a resolution of symptoms over time, others may continue to be affected. The outcome can vary widely among individuals, and the idea of “outgrowing” PANDAS is not universally applicable.
Light On Anxiety CEO Dr Debra Kissen describes how CBT & ERP helps clients move past OCD and other anxiety disorders.
