Diagnostic Criteria for PANS and PANDAS

How do you know If your child has PANDAS?

For a child to be diagnosed with PANDAS or PANS they have to exhibit the following:

• Presence of OCD, tics, or both
• Sudden onset of symptoms or sudden worsening of symptoms
• Intermittent course of symptoms
  • Children with PANDAS/PANS have dramatic changes in symptomatology usually characterized by extreme worsening of symptoms followed by gradual recovery
• Pediatric onset of symptoms (3 to puberty)
• Associated with group A streptococcus infection (PANDAS) (i.e. Strep throat, scarlet fever) or other illness (PANS) (i.e. Lyme disease, the flu, etc.)
• Associated with neurological issues or abnormalities
• Symptoms are not better explained by another neurologic or medical disorder 

Other symptoms associated with PANDAS include:

• Anxiety or depression
• Separation anxiety
• Hyperactivity, fidgeting, and inattentiveness similar to symptoms experienced by people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bedwetting, frequent daytime urination, or both
• Mood or personality changes such as sadness, irritability, rage, etc.
• Trouble sleeping
• Severely restrictive eating habits
• Changes in motor skills (i.e. handwriting, tying shoes, etc)
• Difficulties in school including difficulty concentrating or learning
• Lack of coordination
• Sensory issues
• Joint pain

Remember: If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have PANS/PANDAS please see a medical professional, this resource is just a jumping off point, not a diagnosis