What Is PANS?
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD) or severe food restriction, along with at least two additional neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, mood changes, regression, sleep disruption, or sensory issues.
PANS is associated with immune system activation and brain inflammation (neuroinflammation).
What Is PANDAS?
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections is a subtype of PANS triggered specifically by a streptococcal (strep) infection.
In PANDAS, the immune response to strep mistakenly targets brain tissue, leading to abrupt behavioral and neurological symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS
Parents often describe symptoms as appearing “overnight.”
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden-onset OCD or intrusive thoughts
- Severe separation anxiety
- Motor or vocal tics
- Rage episodes or emotional lability
- Depression or mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Restrictive eating or food refusal
- Sensory sensitivities
- Frequent urination
- Decline in handwriting or school performance
- Behavioral regression
If your child’s symptoms developed rapidly and dramatically, an immune-mediated cause should be considered.
