Helping Medical Practitioners Better Understand and Treat 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. PANDAS PANS Support Groups 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.