PANS/PANDAS

PANDAS/PANS requires a multidisciplinary approach to care to ensure that all aspects of the child’s health, including, physical, psychological, and academic, are addressed.  Treatment for PANDAS/PANS is highly individualized because each child’s neuropsychiatric symptoms, psychological profile, and immune response are unique.  ​​​​​Therefore, I work closely with your pediatricians, neurologists, immunologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, teachers, and schools.

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Psychological Treatments That We Provide include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): for managing symptoms, especially OCD and anxiety. 

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)- reduces obsessive and compulsive behaviors. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for tics (CBIT)

• Family Therapy- a supportive space for family members for psychoeducation, to express their emotions, and develop strategies to support their child.

• Supportive Counseling- for children to express their emotions and fears without judgment. 

• Collaborative Care: working with your treatment team on an individualized treatment plan for your child's unique needs

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Caregiver and Family Supportive Therapy

When a child is struggling with PANDAS or PANS, the impact on the family structure is profound. It often impacts marriage, siblings, career and work, mental health challenges, and the overall sense of peace in your home.

 

Caregivers often experience symptoms of:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- fearing new flares and the uncertainty of their child's health

• Grief- what life was before and after their child developed PANS/PANDAS

• Anxiety and Depression- managing the day-to-day stressors of living with a child with PANS/PANDAS (ie, a child may be refusing to go to school, or eat)

• Obsessive Compulsive symptoms- in becoming obsessed with finding ways to help your child, searching for doctors, research, reassurance they will be okay 

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 The unpredictability of PANS/PANDAS is exhausting, and the emotional weight of it all can be incredibly heavy.  We are here to support you.​​​

​​Medical Treatments With Your Physician May Include:

• Antibiotics to target underlying infections 

• Anti-inflammatories (such as NSAIDs or short-term steroids)

• IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) or plasmapheresis in more severe/persistent cases to help reset the immune response.

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School/Academic Interventions May Include:

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored plans that address the specific needs of students with PANS/PANDAS, ensuring they receive the necessary support to learn and participate in school activities. 

• 504 Plans: Written support plans that provide accommodations and supports for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed in school.

• Collaboration w teachers, school counselors, and therapists to create a comprehensive approach to support students 

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An interdisciplinary approach, a combination of medical and psychological interventions are often needed.