What are PANS and PANDAS?

“PANS is an acronym for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. PANS is a clinical condition defined by the sudden encephalitic-like onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and/or severe eating restrictions and at least two (see list below) concurrent cognitive, behavioral, or neurological symptoms. PANS has multiple etiologies and disease mechanisms. PANS and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep and is one type of PANS) require a clinical diagnosis based on a child’s medical history and physical examination. Symptoms cannot be better explained by another diagnosis. There is no age restriction for a PANS diagnosis.

PANS diagnostic criteria are based on the abrupt onset of OCD and/or eating restrictions, with concurrent symptoms in at least 2 of 7 neuropsychiatric categories:

• Anxiety
• Emotional Lability and/or Depression
• Irritability, Aggression, and/or Severe Oppositional Behaviors
• Behavioral (Developmental) Regression
• Sudden Deterioration in School Performance
• Motor (tics) or Sensory Abnormalities
• Somatic Signs and Symptoms, including Sleep Disturbances, Enuresis, or Urinary Frequency

PANS can be triggered by infections, metabolic disturbances, and other inflammatory reactions. Infectious triggers include upper respiratory infections, influenza, recalcitrant sinus infections, mycoplasma pneumonia, and Lyme borreliosis, among others.”