What Is PANDAS?

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is a condition where a child develops sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, or severe anxiety following a streptococcal infection.

This occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain, leading to dramatic behavioral and neurological changes.

At IMPACT, we understand that PANDAS is not a behavioral choice but a medical condition with psychological effects. Our approach combines therapeutic support with medical understanding to help children and families navigate these complex symptoms while working toward recovery.

KEY BENEFITS

Who Can Benefit from PANDAS Support?

PANDAS support can help children and their families navigate the complex challenges of sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms. You may benefit from PANDAS support at IMPACT if:

We support families dealing with both newly diagnosed PANDAS and those managing chronic or recurring episodes.

Your child developed sudden OCD symptoms, tics, or severe anxiety following an illness

Your child's personality seemed to change dramatically overnight

You're dealing with explosive behaviors, regression, or emotional volatility

Your child has recurring episodes that coincide with illness or infection

You're struggling to find providers who understand PANDAS

Your family is experiencing significant stress from managing these symptoms

You need support advocating for appropriate medical treatment

IMPACT's Approach to PANDAS Support

At IMPACT, we provide comprehensive psychological support that recognizes PANDAS as a medical condition requiring both therapeutic and medical intervention. Our approach is trauma-informed, family-centered, and designed to support recovery and resilience.

Our support recognizes that PANDAS affects the entire family system and requires comprehensive, coordinated care.

We provide support through:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD symptoms
Family Therapy and Coaching: To help families cope with sudden changes and manage difficult behaviors
Emotional Regulation Support: Teaching children skills to manage anxiety, anger, and emotional volatility
School Advocacy: Helping families secure appropriate accommodations and understanding
Medical Coordination: Working collaboratively with medical providers treating the underlying condition

Key Benefits of PANDAS Support at IMPACT

Support helps families move from "Our child has changed completely" to "We understand what's happening and how to help."

Evidence-based treatment for OCD symptoms and anxiety

Family support and coping strategies for managing difficult behaviors

School advocacy and accommodation planning

Understanding of PANDAS as a medical condition, not a behavioral choice

Hope and validation for families facing this challenging condition

Coordination with medical providers for comprehensive care

UNDERSTANDING PANDAS

You're not alone in this journey.

PANDAS can be frightening and overwhelming for both children and families. Our team understands the unique challenges of this condition and provides compassionate, knowledgeable support.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PANDAS

Frequently Asked Questions

PANDAS has a sudden onset following infection, dramatic symptom changes, and often includes other symptoms like emotional volatility or regression. We work with medical providers to help clarify diagnosis.
With appropriate medical treatment and therapeutic support, many children experience significant improvement. Early intervention and comprehensive care improve outcomes.
Yes. PANDAS requires both medical treatment for the underlying immune dysfunction and therapeutic support for the psychological symptoms. We coordinate care when possible.
Children with PANDAS often need temporary or ongoing school accommodations. We help families advocate for appropriate supports during active episodes.
PANDAS is tremendously stressful for families. We provide parent coaching, family therapy, and support groups to help families develop coping strategies and resilience.