PANDAS/PANS

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection)

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)

PANDAS and PANS are both pediatric autoimmune conditions that are specifically triggered by various types of infections. These complex conditions can significantly impact a child's mental health and overall well-being, leading to a range of symptoms that may arise suddenly and unexpectedly.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Generalized anxiety 

  • Separation anxiety 

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder 

  • Tics (motor and/or verbal) 

  • Emotional lability 

  • Meltdowns and raging 

  • Intrusive thought

  • Irrational thoughts and fears 

  • Aggression

  • Self-injurious behaviours 

  • Food refusals or restrictions 

  • Sensory sensitivity 

  • Sensory Processing Disorder 

  • Hyperactivity 

  • Cognitive deficits (attention, focus)

  • Behavioural regression

  • Sleep regression and disturbances 

  • Deterioration in school performance

  • Urinary disturbances (bedwetting, urgency, frequency)

  • Visual or auditory hallucinations

  • Somatic pain (headaches, joint pain, muscle pain)

PANDAS/PANS Resources