Current Research Updates on PANDAS and PANS

• Published in: Current developmental disorders reports 2023-12, Vol.10 (4), p.264-273
• Main Authors: Franklin, Martin E., Eken, Stephanie, Osterlund, Erik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Family Medicine; General Practice; Hot Topic; Investigations; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurosciences; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Pediatrics; Phenomenology; Psychiatry; Streptococcus infections
• ISSN: 2196-2987; 2196-2987
• DOI: 10.1007/s40474-023-00280-w

Purpose of Review To summarize the current state of the literature on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep (PANDAS) and Pediatric Autoimmunie Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), conditions thought to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recent Findings Phenomenology of the PANDAS/PANS subtype of OCD and/or tic-related illness are presented, treatments reviewed, and recommendations made for the management of clinical course including early screening when quintessential signs and symptoms convergent with the PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep) or PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) presentation are evident. Further, we provide suggestions about how to discuss these syndromes with families in the clinical context to instill hope and optimism for positive outcomes. Summary Efficacy has been established for multiple treatments for pediatric OCD including pharmacotherapies both alone and in combination with cognitive behavioral therapies. Novel approaches are now being investigated to address PANDAS/PANS specifically, but our recommendation is, where feasible, to intervene with the treatments of established efficacy for OCD first, as there is evidence for their efficacy regardless of the etiology of symptom onset. Treatment development efforts and further exploration of OCD’s etiology, biological correlates, and longitudinal course continue.