PANS & PANDAS Support
Specialized Care for Children and Families
At Walnut Creek Psychiatry, we understand how alarming it can be when your child suddenly changes in ways that feel unfamiliar or unsettling. Conditions such as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) can emerge following an infection—most often strep—and can dramatically affect a child’s behavior, emotions, and functioning.
These conditions are not your fault, and you and your child are not alone. Our team is here to provide clarity, guidance, and compassionate support every step of the way.
What are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS and PANDAS occur when the body’s immune system, while fighting off an infection, mistakenly targets healthy brain tissue. This autoimmune response causes inflammation in the brain, disrupting normal functioning and leading to sudden, dramatic changes in a child’s behavior or personality.
Signs and Symptoms
Children with PANS or PANDAS often experience an abrupt onset of symptoms that can feel very different from their usual personality or behavior. These may include:
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD-like symptoms)
- Heightened anxiety or separation fears
- Sudden motor or vocal tics
- Emotional instability, irritability, or mood swings
- Decline in school performance (such as handwriting or math skills)
- Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or other sensory input
- Restrictive or selective eating patterns
If your child shows several of these symptoms—especially if they appear suddenly after an illness—it may be a sign of PANS or PANDAS.
How We Can Help
At Walnut Creek Psychiatry, we provide specialized evaluation and support for children and families navigating these complex conditions. Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive assessment to understand your child’s medical, developmental, and psychiatric history.
- Collaboration with pediatricians and specialists to ensure your child receives coordinated, whole-person care.
- Evidence-based treatments, which may include psychiatric support, therapy, medication management, or referrals to medical providers for infection control and immune-related care.
- Family support and education, so you feel empowered to understand what’s happening and how to best help your child at home.
You Are Not Alone
Watching your child struggle with sudden, unexplained changes can be overwhelming—but there is help and hope. With the right support, children with PANS and PANDAS can experience significant improvement and return to thriving.
📞 Call us today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our PANS/PANDAS support services and how Walnut Creek Psychiatry can help your child heal.