Understanding PANS and PANDAS: Symptoms and Holistic Treatment
PANS and PANDAS are two often misunderstood pediatric neurological conditions that can cause sudden, intense shifts in a child’s behavior and emotional well-being. These disorders are commonly misdiagnosed as psychiatric issues, leading to confusion, delayed treatment, and frustration for families. As awareness grows, so does the need for integrative care approaches. For families navigating this complex health challenge, Level Up Wellness Group offers holistic support for healing mind and body, helping children regain balance and functionality.
This guide will help you understand what PANS and PANDAS are, recognize their symptoms, explore how they’re diagnosed, and discover effective, multidisciplinary treatment options.
What Are PANS and PANDAS?
Both PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) are conditions where a child experiences a sudden and dramatic onset of obsessive-compulsive behavior or eating restrictions, often accompanied by a range of other symptoms.
▸ PANDAS
Triggered by Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections — such as strep throat — PANDAS is considered an autoimmune response where the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks brain tissue, especially in the basal ganglia region, which plays a role in movement and behavior regulation.
▸ PANS
PANS is a broader diagnosis. It may be triggered by a range of infections (viral or bacterial), metabolic disturbances, or environmental factors. PANS doesn’t require a strep infection but shares many of the same neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Core Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS
The hallmark of both conditions is the sudden onset of severe symptoms that seem to appear “overnight.” Parents often report that their child seemed completely different from one day to the next.
Key symptoms include:
. Sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD)
. Severe separation anxiety
. Emotional lability or depression
. Irritability, aggression, or emotional outbursts
. Deterioration in handwriting or motor skills
. Sleep disturbances or night terrors
. Restricted food intake or eating disorders
. Urinary frequency or bedwetting
. Tics (involuntary movements or vocalizations)
. Sensory sensitivities or hallucinations
These symptoms can interfere significantly with a child’s ability to attend school, maintain relationships, or engage in normal activities.
How Are PANS and PANDAS Diagnosed?
Because there is no single diagnostic test, diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical history and symptom presentation. A knowledgeable provider will assess:
Symptom timeline and severity
Evidence of a recent infection (e.g., positive strep test or bloodwork)
Rule out other causes (neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, etc.)
Behavioral and neurological assessments
Early diagnosis is key. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely it is that symptoms can be reversed or minimized.
Common Triggers
For PANDAS:
Strep throat
Scarlet fever
Skin infections (impetigo)
For PANS:
Influenza or respiratory viruses
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Lyme disease
Mold exposure or environmental toxins
Metabolic imbalances (e.g., blood sugar, nutritional deficiencies)
Even stress and trauma can contribute to symptom flare-ups in some children.
Traditional Treatment Approaches
The conventional treatment model often focuses on symptom suppression through psychiatric medication. However, since PANS and PANDAS are believed to have an autoimmune or inflammatory root cause, treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Medical Treatments May Include:
Antibiotics: To address underlying infections (especially for PANDAS)
Anti-inflammatories: Such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids
Immunomodulatory therapies: IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), plasmapheresis
Psychiatric medications: For symptom management (SSRIs, anti-anxiety meds)
Holistic and Multidisciplinary Approaches
While medical intervention is critical, many families find that holistic therapies play a transformative role in recovery. These therapies support not just symptom relief, but whole-body healing.
Holistic Options Include:
▸ Nutritional Therapy
Removing inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, processed sugar)
Identifying food sensitivities or intolerances
Supplementation with Omega-3s, magnesium, zinc, or probiotics
▸ Functional Medicine
. Root-cause investigation (gut health, immune system imbalance, detox pathways)
. Custom treatment protocols for chronic inflammation
▸ Psychological Support
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family therapy or parent coaching
Trauma-informed care and emotional regulation techniques
▸ Occupational and Speech Therapy
For motor skill delays or regression
Helping children regain lost functionality and confidence
▸ Mind-Body Therapies
Meditation and mindfulness
Breathwork or yoga adapted for children
Neurofeedback and biofeedback to support brain regulation
Support for Parents and Caregivers
Parents dealing with PANS/PANDAS often face disbelief or misdiagnosis from traditional healthcare systems. It’s vital that families connect with knowledgeable providers who take their concerns seriously.
Tips for Parents:
Track symptoms and behavior changes
Advocate for testing if your child has recurrent infections and behavioral shifts
Seek out providers familiar with PANS/PANDAS diagnosis
Build a care team that includes medical, mental health, and holistic support
Practice self-care — chronic caregiving can lead to burnout without support
Living with PANS and PANDAS: What to Expect
Recovery is possible, though often not linear. Children may experience “flares” (sudden reappearance of symptoms) following illness, stress, or exposure to triggers. Over time, with consistent care and environmental management, many children return to a stable baseline and lead healthy lives.
Patience, education, and a comprehensive treatment plan are key. No two cases are exactly alike, and treatment must be tailored to the individual.
Why Holistic Care Matters
The mind and body are deeply interconnected. In conditions like PANS and PANDAS, inflammation and immune dysfunction can wreak havoc on emotional regulation, cognitive function, and neurological balance. A holistic care model treats the child as a whole — not just as a set of symptoms.
Providers who understand this connection are better equipped to:
Identify contributing factors
Support the child’s nervous system
Promote gut-brain healing
Empower families with tools, knowledge, and long-term strategies
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Conclusion
PANS and PANDAS are complex but treatable conditions that require a compassionate, integrative approach to care. Early intervention, proper diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary treatment plan can dramatically improve outcomes and restore quality of life for children and families. If you suspect your child may be suffering from one of these disorders, don’t wait — reach out to a provider like luwg.ca to explore customized wellness solutions grounded in both science and empathy.
