What Really Works for PANS or PANDAS? A Review of 698 Cases
Dr. Kumar’s Take:
This large community-based survey gives us one of the clearest pictures yet of what works, and what doesn’t, for treating PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus). The key insight? Aggressive early treatment of infections and inflammation works better than just psych meds. Long courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, IVIG in immune-deficient patients, and even common NSAIDs like ibuprofen made a measurable impact. SSRIs and psych meds were hit-or-miss, often poorly tolerated. If your child is struggling with sudden-onset OCD or tics, make sure infections and inflammation are fully addressed. Don’t stop at psychiatric meds alone.