When a child’s thoughts, eating habits or behavior change suddenly, families can find themselves searching for answers. Understanding PANS and PANDAS can help parents recognize concerning patterns and begin an informed conversation with a healthcare professional.
PANS, or Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, involves the abrupt onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or severely restricted eating, alongside sudden symptoms in at least two additional categories. These can include anxiety, mood changes, developmental regression, school difficulties, sensory or movement changes, and sleep or urinary problems.
PANDAS describes sudden OCD and/or tics associated with a group A streptococcal infection, with symptom onset before puberty. Neither condition has a confirming laboratory test. Diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and consideration of other explanations. Causes and treatment approaches remain under study. Learn more from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Our infographic explains the key distinctions, symptoms, diagnostic process and approaches to care in an accessible visual format.
NYPANS works to improve insurance coverage and access to PANS/PANDAS care in New York. Its website offers educational resources, family stories and opportunities to support advocacy.
Help More Families Find Answers
Explore PANS/PANDAS resources, learn about NYPANS’s work and discover how you can support access to care.
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