PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are complex neuropsychiatric conditions that cause an abrupt, sudden onset of severe emotional and behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents.

Seemingly overnight, a child may experience dramatic changes, including intense obsessive thoughts, compulsive rituals, severe separation anxiety, motor or vocal tics, extreme mood swings, or deterioration in school performance. For families, this sudden shift can be deeply overwhelming. At Kiddo Psychiatry, we provide expert medical evaluations and targeted psychiatric medication management to stabilize your child and help them regain emotional balance.

Understanding and Treating Sudden-Onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Because PANS and PANDAS trigger a sudden inflammatory response in the brain, traditional behavioral therapies alone are often not enough to handle the acute distress. Our board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists look at these conditions through a medical lens, utilizing evidence-based psychiatric medications to treat the severe biological symptoms affecting your child.

We provide expert medication management to target and alleviate:

• Acute OCD Loops: Sudden, intense intrusive thoughts and repetitive compulsive behaviors.
• Severe Anxiety & Panic: Abrupt onset of overwhelming fears or severe separation anxiety.
• Motor and Vocal Tics: Sudden involuntary movements or vocalizations.
• Emotional Lability: Intense mood swings, irritability, aggression, or uncharacteristic tantrums.
• Sleep & Eating Disturbances: Sudden insomnia, night terrors, or restrictive eating driven by fear or contamination phobias.

Our Medical Approach to PANS/PANDAS

1. Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation: We conduct a thorough clinical interview and symptom assessment to evaluate the psychiatric impact of the syndrome on your child’s brain and daily functioning.
2. Targeted Medication Management: If appropriate, we carefully select and prescribe pediatric psychiatric medications (such as low-dose SSRIs or other stabilizing medications) to turn down the intensity of the neurological symptoms.
3. Rigorous Monitoring: PANS/PANDAS symptoms can flare up or change rapidly. We provide close clinical follow-up appointments to safely monitor your child’s progress, manage dosages, and minimize any side effects.

A Coordinated Medical Approach

Managing PANS/PANDAS requires a dedicated medical team. While our role is strictly focused on treating the psychiatric and behavioral impact of the condition, we believe in seamless, coordinated care. We gladly collaborate and share medical insights with your child’s broader healthcare team:

• Pediatricians & Primary Care Physicians: Who manage the physical health and initial screenings.
• Immunologists & Rheumatologists: Who handle the underlying infection, inflammation, or immune system treatments (such as antibiotics or IVIG).
• School Districts: We provide the necessary medical documentation and official diagnoses required to help families implement 504 Plans or IEPs, ensuring your child receives proper academic accommodations during a symptom flare-up.