If you have young kids, you’re going to want to listen to this episode.
Why Do People Do That is a podcast created by therapists with significant experience in childhood mental health challenges. Yet, it’s important to note that not all mental health challenges are 100% caused by our mental health directly, and parents need to be aware of issues that may require alternate treatments.
That is the topic of our podcast, which focuses on PANS and PANDAS:
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)
Both are medical syndromes with psychiatric and behavioral symptoms that can often resemble primary mental health disorders:
- PANDAS – A subset of cases triggered by Group A Streptococcus infection. Symptoms often develop abruptly after strep throat or related infections.
- PANS – A broader category that includes sudden-onset psychiatric symptoms linked to other infections, immune system dysfunction, or environmental triggers.
These conditions are characterized by a sudden, dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms that can appear almost overnight in a previously healthy child. This often includes:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors – Compulsions, rituals, and intrusive thoughts developing rapidly.
- Tics or Involuntary Movements – Similar to those found in Tourette’s disorder.
- Severe Anxiety – Often disproportionate to the situation, with panic attacks or separation anxiety.
- Eating Disturbances – Sudden food restriction, fear of choking, or restrictive eating patterns.
- Mood Changes – Irritability, depression, or extreme emotional instability.
- Cognitive Decline – Difficulties with memory, concentration, or school performance.
These symptoms are not gradual, which is part of what differentiates PANS/PANDAS from other psychiatric conditions.
While most mental health issues are going to occur over time due to life experience, genetics, and more, parents need to be aware of PANS and PANDAS because it may require a very different treatment.
Listen to this week’s podcast, here:
What makes PANS/PANDAS unique is that the psychiatric conditions that arise can also have a long term impact and recurrence. This is why it is so important for parents to be aware of the condition so that they can deploy early intervention, giving your child the best chance to address the issue and prevent it from coming back.
Watch our latest episode right here using the YouTube link above, or anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
