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PANS<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u202fstands for <\/span><\/span>Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome<\/span><\/span><\/em>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
PANDAS<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u202f(a type of PANS) stands for <\/span><\/span>Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections<\/span><\/span><\/em>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
In very simple terms, PANS and PANDAS are conditions where a child\u2019s immune system reacts in an unusual way after an infection or illness, and that reaction affects the brain, often bringing on sudden and intense symptoms\u202flike obsessive-compulsive behaviours, anxiety, tics, eating restriction, mood changes, or difficulties at school. More on symptoms later!\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
PANDAS specifically occurs after a <\/span><\/span>Group A Strep<\/span><\/span><\/em>\u202finfection, like strep throat or scarlet fever, while PANS can follow a variety of infections, such as COVID-19 or Chickenpox.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What are the symptoms of PANS and PANDAS?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
Some of the main symptoms are:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\nNew or intense obsessive thoughts\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nSudden compulsive behaviours\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nAnxiety or panic\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nTics or unusual movements\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nChanges in eating or sleep habits\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nMood swings or emotional dysregulation\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nTrouble concentrating or performing at school\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Typically, in PANS and PANDAS, symptoms begin suddenly, although some families report there being early warning signs before a more abrupt onset of symptoms.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that you <\/span><\/span>don\u2019t\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/strong>need every symptom to consider PANS or PANDAS as a possible diagnosis. Even<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>just a few symptoms, especially following an illness, can be a clue that something bigger is going on than \u2018just anxiety\u2019 or \u2018just OCD\u2019; although, of course, there\u2019s nothing \u2018just\u2019 about these conditions either. It\u2019s very common for people experiencing PANS or PANDAS to be misdiagnosed with another condition, such as OCD, anxiety or depression, or to be <\/span><\/span>assessed for autism<\/span><\/span> or other neurodivergence. So taking a variety of symptoms into account can help people get the correct diagnosis and the right treatment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
How do PANS and PANDAS differ from Typical OCD\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
Typical OCD usually develops gradually with a little anxiety here, a worry there, slowly building over time as the OCD Loop spirals. But in PANS and PANDAS, the shift can be <\/span><\/span>fast and dramatic<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, often within a couple of days, and tied to a physical trigger like an infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
That doesn\u2019t mean all sudden OCD is PANS or PANDAS, and it doesn\u2019t mean every child with OCD has one of these conditions. But it <\/span><\/span>does<\/span><\/span><\/em>\u202fmean that when symptoms come on suddenly – especially after an illness – it\u2019s worth exploring whether the immune system might be involved too.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Support and Understanding Are Available\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
Although more people than ever now know about PANS and PANDAS, there is still a long way to go, especially in the medical field. It is very easy for families to feel lost and unsupported, but please know that help is available.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
And this is where I get to talk about one of my favourite charities!\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
PANS PANDAS UK is an incredible charity started by families who have lived experience of PANS and PANDAS. It offers:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\nInformation and resources for families, carers, and professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nOnline and face-to-face support groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nTraining for educators and healthcare workers – I’ve done this, and it’s excellent.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nA community where parents can connect and feel understood.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Taming Olivia x PANS PANDAS UK\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
Just over a year ago, we started working with the PANS PANDAS UK Youth Board on a project to spread the word about PANS and PANDAS and, hopefully, help young people experiencing the conditions to feel less alone. They wanted to create a character to help describe their different experiences of PANS or PANDAS, and the journey they have been on, along with their parents, friends, and different medical professionals. The result was this wonderful comic that shares the story of Glitch – a young boy with PANS – on his journey to get help<\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span>The Youth Board were an incredible part of the design process from the very start of the project. They helped <\/span><\/span>create Glitch and the look and feel of the comic<\/span>. They also came up with the story outline and provided ongoing feedback to ensure the story reflected real-life experiences and shared the most helpful and important information. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
We are extremely proud and excited to introduce the result of our collaboration. Meet Glitch! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Youth Panel would love to have new members, so please check out page six in the comic too! \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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