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.

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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