Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as:

Behavioral Changes: One of the hallmark features of PANS/PANDAS is the onset of significant behavioral changes. These changes can include extreme mood swings, irritability, aggression, and emotional lability.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Many individuals with PANS/PANDAS develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms, characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can be severe and distressing.

Tics and Movement Disorders: Motor and vocal tics are common in PANS/PANDAS. These tics may include eye blinking, head jerking, throat clearing, or vocalizations. They can be sudden and involuntary.

Anxiety and Fear: Children with PANS/PANDAS often experience heightened anxiety, sometimes manifesting as intense fear of specific things or situations. Separation anxiety from parents or caregivers may also occur.

Cognitive Decline: Some individuals may experience cognitive regression, which can include a decline in academic performance, memory problems, changes in handwriting, and difficulties with concentration and attention.

Sensory Sensitivities: Sensory processing issues are common in PANS/PANDAS. Individuals may become hypersensitive to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell, leading to discomfort and agitation.

Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems, including insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, are frequently reported in PANS/PANDAS cases. This can further exacerbate behavioral and emotional difficulties.

Eating Difficulties: Changes in eating habits, such as food aversions, selective eating, or difficulties with swallowing, may be present.

Urinary Symptoms: In some cases, children with PANS/PANDAS may develop urinary symptoms like frequent urination or sudden-onset bedwetting.

Regression in Development: In severe cases, children may exhibit regression in developmental milestones, such as loss of previously acquired language skills or social regression.

It's important to note that PANS/PANDAS symptoms can vary from one individual to another, and not all affected individuals will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, the severity of symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of symptom exacerbation (flare-ups) and periods of improvement (remissions).

Diagnosis of PANS/PANDAS can be challenging due to the diversity of symptoms and the need to rule out other conditions. A comprehensive evaluation by a knowledgeable PANS/PANDAS specialist, including a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.