Families navigating a diagnosis of PANDAS or PANS  often encounter information about genetics—particularly the MTHFR gene —and wonder whether it plays a role in their child’s symptoms. While this topic is frequently discussed online, it is also often misunderstood. Here I aim to clarify what is known , what is theoretical , and how MTHFR status may be relevant in some (but not all) cases of PANDAS/PANS. TL;DR MTHFR variants do not cause PANDAS, but in some children the geneti

When your child suddenly starts showing strange behaviors or symptoms, it can be confusing and scary. You might notice sudden anxiety, tics, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering if PANS or PANDAS could be the cause. I want to walk you through what these conditions are, how they affect children, and what you can do to help your child feel better. What Are PANS and PANDAS? A PANS PANDAS Overview PANS s

How Antibiotics May Help in PANS/PANDAS: Beyond Infection Control In Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections), antibiotics often seem to calm symptoms like obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, and tics. Traditionally, this benefit has been credited to the eradication of Streptococcus pyogenes or other presumed bacterial triggers. Yet, clinical experience sh

Generating a differential diagnosis for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)  and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric...

Many tests can be used in PANS/PANDAS, but we are still learning which ones should guide treatment What labs are needed for diagnosis and...

For decades, mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and psychosis have been understood primarily through the lens of neurobiology...

Could my child have PANS/PANDAS? Did you notice a sudden start to OCD or Restrictive Eating Disorder? Does your child also experience 2+...

A defining trait of PANS and PANDAS is the abrupt emergence of psychiatric symptoms.