Living with PANDAS
A childhood condition in which strep infections trigger or worsen sudden OCD-like behaviors or tics.
Understanding PANDAS
The name stands for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with Streptococcus infections. Main symptoms are obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD) and tics, which are sudden, repeated movements or sounds, and they can be severe enough to disrupt daily life. GARD says the cause is unclear, but strep may trigger an abnormal immune response. It is a subtype of PANS.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD)
- Tics (sudden, repeated movements or sounds)
- Irritability and mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Attention and impulsivity problems
- Loss of skills already learned (developmental regression)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, ASPIRE and Neuroimmune Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, ASPIRE, Neuroimmune Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is unclear. GARD says studies suggest a strep infection triggers an abnormal immune response that leads to the symptoms.
Also known as: paediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcus infections; paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus infections; pandas - pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection; pediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcus infections; pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection; pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus infections
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationPANDAS · United States
- ASPIREPANDAS · United States
- Neuroimmune FoundationPANDAS · United States
- Northwest PANDAS/PANS NetworkPANDAS · United States
- PACE FoundationPANDAS · United States
- PANDAS NetworkPANDAS · United States
- Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of AsthmaticsPANDAS · United States
- International OCD FoundationPANDAS · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with PANDAS.
Explore research for PANDAS
Explore actively recruiting PANDAS studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for PANDAS with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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