OCD tendencies can appear alone, or as part of ADHD, autism (ASD), or PANDAS, and in people who have more than one od these diagnoses. The onset, reason, and the type of behavior are usually different. Understanding when and why they happen helps distinguish them clinically. 1. ADHD and OCD-like behaviors In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , behaviors that look obsessive are usually related to executive function dysregulation, not true OCD. Common examples: Hyperfix

Mold is the Boogie-Man of PANS Mold is everywhere, and it is invisible. Families of children with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are searching for answers. Often a clear trigger like strep or another infection isn’t identified, so it is natural to ask: Could mold be the cause? This question comes up frequently — and understandably. But while mold exposure is common and testing often shows “positive” results, the scientific link between mold and PANS re

Why Is There So Much Controversy Around Lyme & Bartonella Testing in PANS/PANDAS? This is confusing because there are really two different conversations happening at once: Whether infections like Lyme or Bartonella can  trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms. Whether our current lab tests can reliably prove that in a specific child. Those are not the same question. Can infections trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms? Yes — infections can absolutely trigger immune-mediated neuropsychi

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.