PANDAS: Symptoms & Signs

PANDAS is a term that refers to a rare condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. PANDAS leads to behavioral changes in children following a streptococcal infection and was first described in the 1990s. It is believed the behavioral symptoms come from an immune system attack on the individual's own brain cells.

Signs and symptoms of PANDAS can include

• vocal and motor tics,
• obsessive-compulsive-like problems and symptoms, and
• anxiety.

Other associated symptoms and signs can include

• mood changes,
• bedwetting,
• separation anxiety,
• changes in handwriting, and
• sleep disturbances.

Those affected may also develop symptoms characteristic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Cause of PANDAS

Doctors believe an autoimmune reaction to a group A streptococcal bacterial infection (such as strep throat, scarlet fever, cellulitis, or others) causes PANDAS.

Other pandas symptoms and signs

• Anxiety
• Bedwetting
• Changes in Handwriting
• Mood Changes
• Obsessive-Compulsive-Like Problems and Symptoms
• Separation Anxiety
• Sleep Disturbances
• Vocal and Motor Tics

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