Behaviour and emotions
- Obsessive thoughts or compulsions
- Separation anxiety or intense fears
- Irritability or emotional outbursts
- Rapid mood changes
Children’s health information
PANDAS and PANS Syndrome in Children
PANS and PANDAS involve the sudden onset of severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms, restricted eating or significant behavioural and neurological changes. Medical assessment is essential. Morkare provides complementary paediatric naturopathy support alongside your child’s medical care.
Quick answer
What are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS is the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or severely restricted eating together with other acute behavioural or neurological symptoms. PANDAS describes a similar childhood presentation associated with group A streptococcal infection. Neither condition can be confirmed by one test, so a thorough medical assessment is required.
PANS vs PANDAS: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | PANS | PANDAS |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome | Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections |
| Main presentation | Sudden OCD symptoms or severely restricted eating | Sudden OCD symptoms, tics or both |
| Possible association | Several possible triggers or no clearly identified trigger | Group A streptococcal infection |
| Diagnosis | Clinical assessment after other causes are considered | Clinical assessment including the timing of a possible strep infection |
| Confirmatory test | No single test | No single test |
Common PANS and PANDAS Symptoms
The important feature is the abrupt onset or rapid worsening of symptoms rather than a gradual change over many months.
Neurological and learning changes
- Motor or vocal tics
- Changes in handwriting
- Sensory sensitivities
- Sudden decline at school
Physical and daily changes
- Restricted food intake
- Sleep disruption
- New bedwetting or urinary frequency
- Behavioural regression
Seek urgent help: Call 000 or attend an emergency department if your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, cannot maintain food or fluids, has altered consciousness, seizures or another medical emergency.
Medical assessment
How Are PANS and PANDAS Diagnosed?
There is no single blood test, throat swab or brain scan that independently confirms PANS or PANDAS.
Diagnosis is based on the child’s symptom pattern, speed of onset, health history and medical assessment. Other neurological, psychiatric, infectious and medical causes must also be considered.
An assessment may include:
- A detailed timeline of symptom onset
- Review of recent infections and illnesses
- Physical and neurological examination
- Behavioural and mental health assessment
- Review of medications and supplements
- Targeted testing where medically indicated
- Referral to relevant specialists
PANS and PANDAS Treatment
Treatment depends on the child’s symptoms, test findings and suspected underlying cause. There is no single PANDAS or PANS treatment suitable for every child.
Medical treatment may include
- Treatment of a confirmed active infection
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Medication for significant symptoms
- Feeding and nutritional support
- Specialist assessment for complex presentations
Antibiotics and immune therapies must be assessed and prescribed by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
Complementary naturopathic support
- Reviewing diet and nutritional adequacy
- Supporting food variety where possible
- Reviewing digestion and bowel patterns
- Identifying possible nutrient gaps
- Supporting sleep and daily routines
- Checking supplement safety and duplication
Naturopathy does not diagnose or replace medical treatment for PANS or PANDAS.
Whole-child care
Can a Paediatric Naturopath Help?
A paediatric naturopath may provide complementary nutrition, digestive health, sleep and lifestyle support while the child remains under the care of their GP, paediatrician and mental health practitioners.
At Morkare, recommendations are personalised according to the child’s age, diet, symptoms, medications and medical history.
Learn more about our paediatric naturopath Brisbane services .
Why nutrition and gut health may be reviewed
Anxiety, restrictive eating, disrupted routines and recurring illness may make it difficult for a child to maintain a varied and nutritionally adequate diet.
Reviewing digestion and nutrition may identify areas requiring support. This does not mean that gut treatment can cure PANS or PANDAS.
Explore our gut health naturopathy services .
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of PANS or PANDAS?
A key warning sign is the abrupt onset of severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms or restrictive eating. Other changes may include tics, anxiety, regression, emotional outbursts, sleep disruption or a sudden decline at school.
Is PANDAS always associated with strep?
PANDAS specifically refers to a presentation associated with group A streptococcal infection. PANS is broader and does not require evidence of a strep infection.
Can a blood test confirm PANS or PANDAS?
No. Testing may help investigate an infection or exclude other causes, but no single blood test confirms PANS or PANDAS.
Does a positive strep test mean my child has PANDAS?
No. Strep infections are common in children. A practitioner must consider the timing of the infection, the abrupt symptom pattern and other possible explanations.
Can diet cure PANS or PANDAS?
There is no established diet that cures PANS or PANDAS. Nutrition may support general health, restricted eating and identified deficiencies but does not replace medical or psychological treatment.
Can a naturopath diagnose PANS or PANDAS?
No. Appropriate medical assessment is required. A naturopath may provide complementary nutrition, digestive health and lifestyle support alongside medical care.
Can children recover from PANS or PANDAS?
Outcomes vary. Some children improve significantly, while others experience recurring symptoms or require longer-term support. No practitioner can guarantee recovery or prevent future flare-ups.
Complementary Support for Your Child
Morkare Natural Clinic provides personalised paediatric naturopathy support in conjunction with your child’s established medical care. Appointments are available in Holland Park West, Brisbane and online throughout Australia.
Call 07 3172 5035
Important information: This page is for general educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat PANS, PANDAS or another health condition. PANS and PANDAS require appropriate medical assessment. Naturopathy is complementary care and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from your child’s GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other qualified healthcare practitioners.
Reliable information: National Institute of Mental Health and American Academy of Pediatrics .
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including your child’s medical doctor, for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition. The information presented here is not intended to replace or substitute professional medical advice. Results may vary. We strongly believe in the importance of collaboration between naturopathic and medical practitioners for the best outcomes for children with PANS/PANDAS.