Does This Sound Like Your Child?
PANS often appears as a sudden and dramatic change in a child’s behavior, mood, or functioning—sometimes literally overnight.
The most important clue: a clear change from your child’s baseline
This is not a gradual personality shift or typical development. Parents often say:
“This came out of nowhere”
“This is not my child”
“Something changed overnight”
Common symptoms of PANS/PANDAS
Behavioral & Emotional Changes
Sudden anxiety or panic
Separation anxiety
Irritability or mood swings
Aggression or emotional outbursts
Depression or withdrawal
OCD & Rigid Behaviors
Intrusive thoughts or fears
Compulsions or rituals
Extreme need for sameness
Repetitive questioning
Eating
Challenges
Sudden food restriction
Fear of choking or vomiting
Limited food preferences
Weight loss or refusal to eat
Cognitive &
Developmental Changes
Loss of previously mastered skills
Brain fog or confusion
Trouble focusing or learning
Speech or language regression
Physical & Neurological Symptoms
Tics or unusual movements
Sleep disturbances
Frequent urination or accidents
Sensory sensitivities (light, sound, touch)
Headaches, stomach pain, or body pain
Functional Changes
School refusal
Difficulty completing daily tasks
Loss of independence
Sudden drop in performance
FAQs
What triggers PANS/PANDAS?
PANS is often triggered by an immune response, commonly following:
Strep infection
Other infections (viral or bacterial)
Illness or inflammation
When do I take action?
If your child has:
A sudden onset of symptoms
A clear change from baseline
Multiple symptoms appearing at once
It’s time to take the next step.
How do I get started?
Not sure where to start? Take the next step—follow our Start Here guide to get organized and find help.
This resource is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace medical care. Families should work with qualified medical professionals for individual evaluation, testing, and treatment decisions.