Understanding Panda Syndrome: The Link Between Strep Infections and Sudden Behavioral Changes in Children

Is your child behaving differently since his or her last sore throat? Your child may have PANS or PANDAS. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection is called Panda syndrome. Panda syndrome can occur when obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tic disorder, or both suddenly appear after a streptococcal (strep) infection. Also, OCD or tic symptoms may suddenly worsen after a strep infection. Panda syndrome can also occur in this situation.

According to a health website ‘Cleveland Clinic’, most of the people who showed symptoms of Panda syndrome were between the ages of 3 and 12. Some doctors believe that it occurs more in boys than girls at birth. At the same time, some researchers think that it is very unusual for adolescents or adults to have mental or neurological symptoms from strep infection. Apart from this, some studies have also revealed that Panda syndrome is a rare disorder.

The symptoms and signs of PANDAS can vary from child to child and may involve a combination of psychological and neurological conditions. The symptoms are believed to start suddenly and occur in episodes. They seem to last for a few days or weeks, then go away and then return. Psychological symptoms of this syndrome include anxiety or depression, bedwetting, mood or personality changes, especially sudden anger or irritability, difficulty sleeping, aversion to food, fidgeting and symptoms similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Neurological symptoms of PANDAS syndrome include changes in motor skills (muscle movement), such as problems with handwriting, difficulty concentrating or learning, poor performance in school, problems with coordination and sensitivity to light and sound.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, PANDAS occurs when your child's immune system produces antibodies to fight the bacteria that cause a strep infection. But antibodies can also mistakenly attack healthy cells in other tissues as the cells mimic a strep infection. Some believe that antibodies affect tissues in your child's brain, leading to psychological and neurological symptoms.

Antibiotics can be given in the treatment of Panda syndrome. If a child has a strep infection and is showing symptoms of infection such as fever, sore throat, pain in swallowing, etc., then antibiotics can be given to the child. Apart from this, these children can also be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy. CBT is a form of psychotherapy. It can help your child manage mental and emotional difficulties better.