PANS and PANDAS are complex and often misunderstood conditions that can have a sudden and significant impact on a child’s mental health, behavior, and functioning. Families are frequently left searching for answers as symptoms appear rapidly and may seem to come “out of nowhere.” Understanding how PANS and PANDAS are diagnosed, how symptoms present, and how mental health treatment can help is essential for early intervention and long-term support.
What Are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) describe conditions in which a child experiences a sudden onset of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- PANDAS is considered a subset of PANS and is specifically associated with a recent streptococcal infection.
- PANS may be triggered by a variety of infections, immune responses, or inflammatory processes.
In both conditions, the immune system is believed to play a role in affecting brain function, leading to abrupt changes in mood, behavior, and cognition.
Common Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS
Symptoms often appear suddenly and can be intense, distressing, and disruptive to daily life. They may fluctuate over time, with periods of improvement and exacerbation.
Core Symptoms
- Sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD)
- Severe anxiety or separation anxiety
- Restrictive eating or sudden food avoidance
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
- Emotional lability or frequent mood swings
- Irritability, aggression, or rage episodes
- Depression or withdrawal
- Regression in behavior or skills
- Increased sensitivity to sensory input
Cognitive and Academic Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Decline in academic performance
- Memory difficulties
- Brain fog or slowed processing
Physical and Somatic Symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Tics or involuntary movements
- Urinary frequency or bedwetting
- Somatic complaints such as headaches or stomachaches
Because these symptoms overlap with other mental health and developmental conditions, PANS and PANDAS are often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
How Are PANS and PANDAS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that definitively diagnoses PANS or PANDAS. Diagnosis is typically clinical and multidisciplinary, based on symptom presentation, medical history, and the exclusion of other conditions.
Diagnostic Considerations May Include:
- Sudden and dramatic onset of symptoms
- Presence of OCD or severe anxiety
- Temporal relationship to infection (especially strep in PANDAS)
- Medical evaluation and laboratory testing
- Collaboration between pediatricians, specialists, and mental health providers
Because of the complexity of these conditions, families often benefit from providers who are familiar with PANS/PANDAS and understand both the medical and psychological components.
The Role of Mental Health Treatment in PANS and PANDAS
While medical treatment addresses underlying infections or immune responses, mental health treatment plays a critical role in symptom management, emotional regulation, and family support.
Individual Therapy for Children
Mental health treatment can help children:
- Manage anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms
- Develop coping skills for emotional distress
- Improve flexibility and distress tolerance
- Address trauma related to sudden symptom onset
Evidence-based approaches may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD symptoms
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Emotion regulation and skills-based interventions
Family and Parent Support
PANS and PANDAS affect the entire family system. Therapy can support parents by:
- Providing education and validation
- Teaching behavior management and support strategies
- Reducing caregiver stress and burnout
- Improving family communication and consistency
Specialized Support with Dr. Maggie Slavich, Psy.D., LCP
At Rosecrans & Associates, families can access specialized mental health support for PANS and PANDAS with Dr. Maggie Slavich, Psy.D., LCP. Dr. Slavich has experience working with children and families navigating complex neuropsychiatric and anxiety-related conditions, including PANS and PANDAS.
Dr. Slavich takes a compassionate, collaborative approach, working alongside families and medical providers to help children regain emotional stability, improve functioning, and feel supported during a challenging and often confusing journey.
Her work emphasizes: 
- Evidence-based treatment
- Developmentally appropriate interventions
- Family-centered care
- Understanding the medical-mental health connection
Why Early Mental Health Intervention Matters
Early mental health treatment can significantly improve outcomes for children with PANS and PANDAS. Addressing symptoms promptly helps reduce distress, prevent secondary anxiety or depression, and support healthy development.
Mental health therapy does not replace medical care—it complements it by addressing the emotional, behavioral, and psychological effects of the condition.
PANS and PANDAS Support at Rosecrans & Associates
If your child is experiencing sudden behavioral or emotional changes and you suspect PANS or PANDAS, you do not have to navigate this alone.
At Rosecrans & Associates, our team offers informed, compassionate mental health care for children and families impacted by PANS and PANDAS. Working with Dr. Maggie Slavich, Psy.D., LCP, families receive individualized support focused on healing, stability, and resilience.
Contact Rosecrans & Associates at 847-461-8414 today to schedule a consultation and learn how mental health treatment can support your child and family.