"Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disord...

"Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal-A infections (PANDAS)"

Author Name : Mrs. S. Suganthi

Pandas is short for Pediatric Auto immune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal-A infections (PANDAS), commonly referred to as strep, or strep throat. Following infection with strep, children with PANDAS syndrome develop severe physical, neurological and psychological disturbances that interfere with their daily functioning.  A child may be diagnosed with Pandas when: Obsessive - compulsive disorder ( OCD), tic disorder or both suddenly appear following a streptococcal ( strep) infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever.

Prevalence:

Based on PANDAS Network research, a conservative estimate of Pandas prevalence is 1 in 200 children  in the United States alone. This is a staggering number, especially considering that many doctors, medical professionals and clinicians do not recognize Pandas. Many children go untreated, sometimes experiencing debilitating symptoms for years until finding the cause and visiting a Pandas specialist.