Helping Medical Practitioners Better Understand and Treat PANDAS/PANS

What are PANDAS/PANS?

What are PANDAS/PANS?

PANDAS/PANS stand for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections or Non-Streptococcal Infections, respectively. It is a condition that affects children and adolescents and can cause sudden and severe changes in behavior, such as OCD symptoms, tics, anxiety disorders, and more. help after an infection caused by bacteria like strep throat or viruses. The infection mistakenly triggers the body's immune system to attack healthy brain tissue. This results in inflammation of specific brain parts responsible for regulating emotions and behaviors.

The exact incidence rate of PANDAS/PANS is unknown, but it is believed to be relatively rare. Even so, the impact on affected individuals can be profound - leading to significant impairment in social functioning and day-to-day activities. Diagnosing PANDAS/PANS can be challenging since many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions like ADHD or Tourette syndrome. However, through careful evaluation by trained medical professionals using established diagnostic criteria sets (such as those from NIMH), accurate diagnosis can be made early enough so that appropriate treatment interventions may occur promptly.

What are the symptoms of PANDAS/PANS?

PANDAS/PANS is a condition that affects children, causing sudden and dramatic changes in their behavior. The symptoms of PANDAS/PANS can be hard to identify at first, as they often manifest as seemingly innocuous behaviors.

Children with PANDAS/PANS may experience anxiety, depression, irritability, or aggression. They may also struggle with OCD-like behaviors such as repetitive hand-washing or counting rituals. In some cases, they may experience tics, sudden and uncontrollable movements, or sounds.

Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, urinary urgency or frequency, and deterioration in school performance. It's significant to note that these signs can appear suddenly and without warning. Therefore, parents who notice any unusual changes in their child's behavior should seek medical advice immediately.

How are mentoring programs helping medical practitioners better understand and treat PANDAS/PANS?

Mentoring program for medical practitioners has become crucial for medical practitioners seeking to understand better and treat PANDAS/PANS. It is because these conditions are often misdiagnosed due to their complex nature, with symptoms that can be similar to those of other illnesses.

By participating in mentoring programs, medical professionals learn about the latest research on PANDAS/PANS and best practices for diagnosis and Treatment. They also receive guidance from experienced mentors who have worked closely with patients affected by these conditions.

Mentorship provides a platform where practitioners can ask questions freely and receive clear answers. In addition, the mentorship process helps them gain confidence while treating patients diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS as they get support from experts in the field.

Through mentoring, physicians develop a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of PANDAS/PANS on both patients and their families. They consequently become more empathetic towards affected individuals, making it easier to build trust during consultations leading to effective treatment plans.

Mentoring program for medical practitioners provide an excellent opportunity for doctors specializing in pediatric Neurology or Psychiatry-related fields to enhance their skills in diagnosing and treating this condition. By working alongside experienced mentors, medical professionals can stay up-to-date on new developments regarding PANDAS/PANs treatment approaches while improving patient care outcomes.

The Role of support groups in Treatment

PANDAS PANS Support Groups play an essential part in the Treatment of PANDAS/PANS, both for patients and their families. These groups provide a safe space where individuals can share their experiences, ask questions, and receive emotional support from others in similar situations.

For patients with PANDAS/PANS, joining a support group can help them feel less isolated and alone. Support groups also offer an opportunity for patients to learn coping mechanisms that have worked for others dealing with the same symptoms.

In addition to supporting patients directly, support groups also benefit parents or caregivers. Caring for a child with PANDAS/PANS can be emotionally taxing, so connecting with other parents facing similar challenges can be incredibly comforting.

Moreover, these support systems allow parents/caregivers to gain access to resources such as doctors or therapists who specialize in treating PANDAS/PANS.

The Role of PANDAS PANS Support Groups cannot be overstated when treating PANDAS/PANS. The connections made within these communities often lead to improved mental health and better medical care. PANDAS/PANS is a complex disorder that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. However, with the help of mentoring programs and support groups, medical practitioners are gaining a better understanding of this condition.

Mentoring program for medical practitioners provide physicians with the knowledge they need to recognize symptoms accurately and develop an effective treatment plan for their patients. In addition, support groups offer much-needed emotional support for patients and their families as they navigate this challenging journey together.

https://www.drohara.com/what-is-pans-and-pandas/