Parents and other family members may become concerned when their youngster exhibits unexpected behaviors and novel thinking out of the blue. Your child's physician may diagnose pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) if the changes happen rapidly and involve unwelcome repeating thoughts (obsessions), repetitive behaviors (compulsions), and reduced eating.

Family members can occasionally pinpoint the exact moment issues began; this process is not progressive. PANS is believed to be brought on by exposure to several infections or other immune-stimulating agents.

PANDAS is the more precise word for the abrupt onset of these symptoms following a strep infection, an earlier term for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. The professionals may have differing views on the most appropriate diagnosis and course of therapy since knowledge about these illnesses is still developing.

What are PANDAS and PANS?

PANDAS and PANS refer to mental health conditions that are frequently associated with bacterial illnesses. The two primary symptoms are anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Children with OCD typically develop the issue over time. However, severe symptoms suddenly manifest in individuals with OCD that have an abrupt start.

Other distressing and perplexing symptoms that children with PANS and PANDAS experience include delay, tics, eating disorders, sorrow, rage, and even suicidal thoughts. These symptoms can appear in children as young as three or four. Most PANS and PANDAS cases are brought on by a bacterial infection, most frequently strep.

However, some cases are caused by Lyme disease, mononucleosis, walking pneumonia, and the flu. People with PANS and PANDAS have episodes, meaning they come and go. Symptoms may go away for a long time and then come back after being exposed to strep or another bacteria or virus later on. When symptoms happen more than once, they may get worse.

What Is The Difference Between PANS And PANDAS?

PANS and PANDAS are related but distinct disorders known for triggering sudden-onset OCD in children. While both involve abrupt neuropsychiatric symptoms, their etiologies differ. PANS encompasses a broader range of triggers, including infections, metabolic disturbances, and environmental factors, leading to rapid-onset psychiatric symptoms.

In contrast, PANDAS specifically links the onset of symptoms to streptococcal infections. In PANDAS, the body's immune response to streptococcal bacteria mistakenly targets brain tissues, triggering neuropsychiatric issues. Understanding these distinctions is important for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

PANS demand a comprehensive approach, addressing various triggers, while PANDAS often involves managing streptococcal infections alongside psychiatric care. Both conditions underscore the intricate interplay between the immune system and neuropsychiatric health, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions based on each child's specific triggers and manifestations.

What Are The Causes Of PANDAS And PANS?

Both PANDAS and PANS are complicated diseases that have many causes. The main thing that causes PANDAS is an immune reaction that goes in the wrong direction after a streptococcal illness. Streptococcal germs cause the immune system to attack brain tissues mistakenly.

It can cause quick start neuropsychiatric symptoms like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tics. But PANS are caused by a wider range of things, such as diseases, metabolic problems, and things in the surroundings. Infections like influenza or mycoplasma can cause an inflammatory reaction, which can cause mental symptoms to appear suddenly.

Because infections, immune reactions, and the nervous system all work together in complex ways, it is very important to get expert care. Treatments must be tailored to each child's unique causes and symptoms to manage these complicated conditions well.

Symptoms of PANDAS and PANS

Knowing the indications of PANDAS and PANS helps you respond fast. Patients with PANDAS commonly have fast symptoms, including OCD, tics, anxiety, irritability, and mood disturbances. Kids may have motor skill issues and perform worse in school.

A common trait is that these symptoms come on quickly, especially after streptococcal illnesses. PANS have a wider range of symptoms than just mental ones. These include sudden and serious cognitive decline, mood swings, hypersensitivity to certain substances, and physical complaints.

The different events that can cause PANS, like illnesses or problems with metabolism, show the symptoms differently. Knowing the signs and symptoms of PANDAS and PANS is important for doctors to do full evaluations and develop individual treatment plans for each child's specific medical profile.

Diagnosis And Treatment For PANDAS And PANS?

Most kids who have OCD don't get it because of PANDAS or PANS. It will take time for doctors to talk to you and ask questions about your child's symptoms to identify PANDAS or PANS. They are going to check for diseases and do a checkup. First, medicine is given to make the person better.

CBT is another type of treatment for OCD. Professionals trained in mental health do this. You can contact the right person through your child's doctor. As part of treatment for OCD, exposure and reaction avoidance are used. In this part of therapy, the routine habits are cut down.

In addition to treating PANDAS or PANS, therapy can also help with other behavior and mood problems. One treatment that can help a child with tics is called habit reversal. Therapy professionals work closely with parents to teach them how to improve their child's condition. Therapists also help parents deal with their child's stressful signs until they leave alone.

Are PANDAS and PANS Contagious?

It is a popular misconception that pandas and pandas are infectious. These diseases are not contagious like most illnesses are. Specifically, the type of germs Streptococcus that causes strep throat sets off PANDAS. Individuals do not, however, share the autoimmune reaction that causes mental symptoms.

PANDAS can happen when the body's immune system reacts to a streptococcal illness. Similarly, different diseases, metabolic problems, or external factors can cause PANS. The immune system attacks the brain by accident, which causes mental symptoms. Nevertheless, these illnesses are not spread by direct touch or exposure.

Conclusion:

PANDAS particularly connects symptoms to streptococcal infections, whereas PANS has a wider range of causes, including infections and environmental factors. Precise diagnosis is necessary for customized therapies, including therapeutic and medicinal approaches.

It's critical to debunk the myth that these illnesses are contagious and emphasize the need for knowledgeable medical care and support. Treating these complex neuropsychiatric illnesses in children mostly depends on early detection and management.