Understanding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

PANDAS describes a group of conditions thought to affect select children who’ve strep infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. There have been some reports of the development of tics, obsessive-compulsive behavior and other mental and neurological symptoms after PANDAS, although a clear link hasn’t yet been established.

78 Alikes with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections Syndrome

Learn from others
who are experiencing
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections Syndrome.

Join Now

Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- PANDAS
- PANDAS Syndrome

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms and signs of PANDAS have been reported to vary widely from child to child and can involve a combination of psychological and neurological conditions. The symptoms are thought to start suddenly and occur in episodes. They seem to last for a few days or weeks, then go away and return.Psychological symptoms that have been reported to occur with PANDAS have included:
* Anxiety or depression.
* Bedwetting.
* Changes in mood or personality, especially sudden rage or irritability.
* Difficulty sleeping.
* Disinterest in food.
* Fidgeting and symptoms similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behavior.
* Separation anxiety.
* Tics similar to those of Tourette syndrome.

Neurological symptoms that have been reported to be associated with PANDAS include:
* Changes in motor skills (muscle movements), such as problems with handwriting.
* Difficulty concentrating or learning.
* Poor performance in school.
* Reduced coordination.
* Sensitivity to light and sound.

Diagnosis

There isn’t a test to diagnose PANDAS. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and evaluate your child’s symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for PANDAS may include:
* Antibiotics: Children with an active strep infection, including symptoms characteristic of the infection (such as fever, sore throat, pain with swallowing), need antibiotics.
* Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy. It can help your child better manage mental and emotional difficulties.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital