START WITH THE BASICS
What does PANDAS stand for?
- Pediatric
- Autoimmune
- Neuropsychiatric
- Disorders
- Associated with
- Streptococcal infections
PANDAS involves sudden onset or worsening of childhood OCD and/or tics associated with strep infection. Other changes may include anxiety, mood, sleep, and eating difficulties.
A healthcare professional evaluates the symptoms and other possible explanations. No single laboratory test confirms PANDAS.
Read NIMH’s questions and answersA LITTLE UNDERSTANDING
Where does PANS fit?
PANS means Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. It involves sudden onset of OCD or severely restricted food intake, together with other abrupt neuropsychiatric changes. PANDAS is a subtype associated with streptococcal infection.
These conditions require careful clinical evaluation. This website offers general education, not diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
NIMH: PANS and PANDAS questions and answers