I see how devastating and disorienting it can be when your child suddenly changes, leaving you grappling with behaviors and emotions that seem to have appeared out of nowhere. For families facing Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS), the stress can feel relentless.
The fear, isolation, frustration, and lack of clear guidance can send stress levels soaring, making it hard to see a way forward.
As someone who has supported many families in similar situations, I want to acknowledge the unique challenges you’re facing. Nothing’s ever easy when you’re dealing with that kind of stress. Few outside this journey truly understand the trauma that comes with watching your child struggle and feeling helpless to ease their suffering. It’s not just the child’s battle—it affects the entire family’s emotional and mental health.
Psychological Stress on Children and Families
Understanding the disorder and finding proper medical care are essential steps, but they’re only part of the equation.
Managing the intense stress that PANS/PANDAS brings is equally important. This doesn’t mean eliminating the chaos overnight—it means finding small, manageable ways to create moments of calm amidst the storm.
Children with PANS/PANDAS experience sudden and severe symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, tics, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. This abrupt onset can be highly distressing for the child and may lead to high levels of psychological stress.
Psychological stress examples in these children include:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating and academic challenges
- Sleep disturbances
The impact of PANS/PANDAS extends beyond the child, profoundly affecting the entire family.
Parents and siblings may also experience the ripple effects including:
- Heightened anxiety and worry about the child’s well-being
- Emotional exhaustion from managing unpredictable symptoms
- Physical symptoms such as sleep issues, gut problems, hair loss
- Disruption of family routines and dynamics, including discord with partner over care
- Financial strain due to medical expenses and potential loss of income
Dealing with stress in this situation is not easy, but it is essential for both the child and the family’s well-being. Finding practical tools for stress relief can help ease the burden and create a more stable environment.
These tools might include mindfulness exercises, structured family routines to bring a sense of normalcy, creative outlets like art or music therapy for both the child and siblings, and outdoor activities to release tension and boost mood.
What is a Flare?
A flare in the context of PANS and PANDAS refers to a sudden and severe worsening of symptoms. These symptoms can intensify rapidly, often within hours or days, and can be triggered by infections, stress, or environmental changes.
Flares are characterized by their abrupt onset and heightened severity, lasting from days to weeks and significantly impacting the child's daily functioning and well-being. The physical and emotional toll of a flare can be overwhelming, leading to an amplified stress response for both the child and their family members.
Managing flares involves a combination of medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle interventions to reduce symptoms and support the child and family. Stress-relieving therapy is often a valuable tool, helping both the child and family manage the emotional and physical challenges of a flare. However, prompt medical attention and possible medication adjustments are crucial, alongside increased therapy sessions and nervous system calming tools, to provide coping strategies and emotional support.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine, implementing stress-relieving techniques such as sensory support, mindfulness and physical activity, and ensuring a healthy diet and adequate sleep are essential for managing the child's symptoms and reducing overall family stress during these challenging episodes.
How Does Flares Cause Psychological Pressure?
Psychological stress happens when someone feels like the demands around them are too much for them to handle. Researchers study stress by looking at events generally agreed to be challenging or how individuals respond to these events, like feeling stressed out or having negative emotions (Cohen et al., 2007).
Flares in children with PANS/PANDAS cause significant psychological stress for both the affected child and their family. The sudden and severe onset of symptoms can be overwhelming.
For the child, this abrupt change can lead to feelings of confusion, fear, and frustration as they struggle to cope with their intensified symptoms. The unpredictability and intensity of flares disrupt their sense of normalcy and security, leading to increased anxiety and emotional distress.
For the family, managing a flare can be equally stressful. Parents may experience heightened anxiety and worry about their child's well-being, feeling helpless in the face of their child's suffering.
The need for constant vigilance and care can lead to emotional exhaustion, strained family dynamics, and disrupted routines.
Family members often feel isolated or overwhelmed by the burden of care, and the strain of deciding which treatments to pursue, how to pay for them, and navigating disagreements with a spouse or partner can add to your stress.
There is no doubt that the unpredictability and severity of flares create a high-stress environment that impacts the mental health and emotional stability of the entire family. Engaging in consistent stress-relieving therapies and building a network of support can help alleviate some of this pressure, creating a more stable and resilient environment for everyone involved.
Activities that Relieve Psychological Stress in PANS/PANDAS
There are several approaches you can take that can ease the burden on your child and improve their emotional well-being. Here are some effective, evidence-based strategies to help manage stress for children dealing with PANS/PANDAS:
Art Therapy:
Art therapy offers a safe, creative outlet for children who may have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, children can process complex emotions in a non-verbal way.
For children with PANS/PANDAS, this type of expression can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Art therapy has been shown to help children work through distressing experiences and enhance cognitive processing, offering relief from overwhelming emotions (Kramer, 2013).
Play Therapy:
Play is one of the most natural ways children communicate, and play therapy harnesses this to help children cope with stress and emotional dysregulation. For children with PANS/PANDAS, play therapy can provide a safe space to explore and manage their anxiety, anger, and frustration in a supportive environment.
This structured yet flexible therapy allows children to navigate their feelings through play, offering them a sense of control and comfort during an otherwise turbulent time (Landreth, 2012).
Music Therapy:
Music has a unique ability to calm the mind and soothe anxiety. For children with PANS/PANDAS, music therapy—whether listening to calming tunes or creating their own music—can reduce anxiety, enhance emotional regulation, and improve mood.
Music serves as a distraction from the constant racing thoughts or compulsive behaviors that often accompany neuropsychiatric conditions, providing your child with a peaceful escape (Bradt & Dileo, 2014).
Animal-Assisted Therapy:
Interacting with trained therapy animals can have profound benefits for children with PANS/PANDAS. These animals provide unconditional support, lowering anxiety and promoting a sense of comfort and connection.
Studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy can reduce stress hormones and increase feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, helping children feel more relaxed and emotionally secure (Odendaal, 2000).
Physical Activity:
Physical movement is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. Activities like dancing, yoga, or even just going for a short walk can help your child release pent-up energy, elevate their mood, and improve their sleep.
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular physical activity not only helps manage stress but also supports your child's overall health and recovery (Rethorst et al., 2009).
Mindfulness and Meditation:
Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, guided meditation, and mindfulness exercises can help your child manage the overwhelming emotions that often come with PANS/PANDAS.
These techniques teach children how to slow down, tune into their feelings, and regain control over their thoughts. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation, helping your child feel more grounded and less stressed (Semple et al., 2010).
Outdoor Activities:
Spending time outdoors in natural environments can have a calming effect on both the body and the mind. Activities like hiking, biking, or simply walking in a park can reduce stress, elevate mood, and even improve cognitive function.
The fresh air and natural surroundings provide a peaceful alternative to the heightened anxiety that often accompanies PANS/PANDAS, giving both your child and the family a chance to reset and recharge (Bratman et al., 2015).
Relaxation Techniques:
Relaxation exercises, including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and aromatherapy, can significantly help reduce physical and mental tension.
These practices encourage deep relaxation and can promote better sleep, which is essential for emotional and physical recovery. For children with PANS/PANDAS, these techniques can help alleviate the tension caused by co
Dealing with PANS/PANDAS is undoubtedly challenging, but with the proper stress management methods and stress relief techniques, families can find effective ways to cope. Good stress management techniques are essential for maintaining emotional balance and ensuring the child's and family's well-being.
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What is the most effective stress management strategy?
Consistent exercise releases endorphins, mindfulness techniques like meditation reduce anxiety, and sufficient sleep restores emotional balance. It can create a holistic approach to managing stress effectively.
How do you treat stress?
Treating stress involves combining regular physical activity, mindfulness practices like meditation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and adequate sleep. Psychological techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation exercises, and professional support from a therapist are also effective in managing stress.
What is a good stress reliever?
Walking, running, and yoga are highly effective stress relievers. Exercise helps release endorphins, improves mood, and reduces tension in the body, making it an excellent way to alleviate stress.
How can I reduce stress naturally?
Ensure a balanced diet and adequate sleep. Seek social support to manage stress levels effectively. With natural stress reduction techniques in your daily routine, you can effectively manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
What are some natural cures for stress?
Natural cures for stress include herbal supplements like chamomile or lavender, aromatherapy, and herbal teas known for their calming properties. These remedies can complement other stress management techniques.
What are some practical stress relief tools?
Effective stress relief tools include journaling, engaging in hobbies, and spending time in nature. These tools provide a positive outlet for stress and promote emotional well-being.
What are some evidence-based stress reduction techniques?
Evidence-based stress reduction techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and relaxation response techniques. These techniques have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mental health.
What are some good stress management techniques for the workplace?
Good stress management techniques for the workplace include setting realistic goals, practicing time management, and taking regular breaks to recharge. Additionally, open communication with colleagues and seeking supervisor support can help manage workplace stress effectively.
What are some techniques for relieving stress in adults?
Techniques for relieving stress in adults include engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These activities help adults unwind and manage stress effectively.
How do stress management and relaxation techniques differ?
While stress management techniques focus on coping with stressors and reducing their impact, relaxation techniques promote calm and reduce physiological arousal. Both approaches complement each other in promoting overall well-being and resilience.
Citation
Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2014). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. B., & Daily, G. C. (2015). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 537-563.
Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Miller, G. E. (2007). Psychological Stress and Disease. JAMA, 298(14), 1685–1687. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.298.14.1685
Kramer, E. (2013). Art as therapy with children. Routledge.
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play therapy: The art of the relationship. Routledge.
Manzoli, L., et al. (2009). Progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery for stress reduction in children: A meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatrics, 154(4), 522-526.
Odendaal, J. S. J. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy – magic or medicine? Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 49(4), 275-280.
Rethorst, C. D., et al. (2009). The effects of exercise on anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 66(6), 589-604.
Semple, R. J., et al. (2010). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 39(3), 452-460.
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in PANS/PANDAS who frequently is in the media:
- Therapy Chat (Podcast) The Trauma Of PANS/PANDAS, AE + Neuroinflammation With Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
- Aspire: Neurocognitive & Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
- Autism W/ Dr. Andy McCabe Radio Show Topic: Autism, PANS/PANDAS
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
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