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Testing for PANDAS/PANS can be overwhelming at first—but it’s also one of the most important steps you can take to understand what’s really going on and help your child start healing.
It might seem like a lot, but with the right tests and a supportive team, there’s real hope for recovery.
What is PANS/PANDAS Disorder?
| Category | PANS | PANDAS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome | Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections |
| Symptom Onset | Sudden development of symptoms like obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or even disordered eating | Same cluster of symptoms observed |
| Common Triggers | Often follows an infection or exposure to certain triggers | Follows a suspected strep infection |
| Underlying Cause | Immune system mistakenly causes inflammation in the brain in response to an infection | Immune response to strep infection leads to inflammation in the brain |
What are the common symptoms of PANS/PANDAS?
- Avoidant/restrictive of specific foods
- Intense separation anxiety or general anxiety
- Irregular bowel or bladder movements
- Compulsive behaviors or rituals
- Mood swings, including feelings of sadness or depression
- Aggressive or challenging communication styles
- Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts
- Behavioral and developmental regression
If you’re seeing these sudden changes in your child, you’re not overreacting. These signs are your child’s way of communicating that something deeper is going on—and there areways to help them heal.
Why is Testing for PANDAS/PANS Important?
Studies show about 1 in every 200 kids gets diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS, and the numbers are rising. The good news? Research keeps growing, leading to better, personalized treatments, including holistic options that actually work.
- Sudden Onset of Symptoms:These symptoms don’t just creep up over time. They hit hard and fast, often out of nowhere, pointing to an underlying medical issue.
This makes early medical guidance essential—don’t wait around to get answers.
- Overlap with Other Disorders: Here’s where it gets tricky: a lot of symptoms from PANDAS/PANSlook similar to other mental health conditions. (Leonardi et al., 2024) Multiple tests help rule out other issues and make sure your child gets the right diagnosis.
- Comprehensive Testing: Doctors will dig deep, looking at blood tests, medical history, and more. These tests help figure out if there’s an immune response triggered by an infection, so you can plan the best treatment.
- Early Diagnosisis Key: Early detection gives your child the best shot at recovery. Without it, PANDAS/PANS can cause long-term challenges that impact their neurocognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral growth.
How Do You Test for PANDAS/PANS?
PANS/PANDAS testinginvolves a mix of clinical evaluations, lab tests, and a thorough review of your child’s medical history.
1. Rapid Strep Test / Throat Culture
If your child has strep throat, Group A Streptococcus bacteriacould be triggering PANDAS. A throat culture is key for diagnosis—your doctor will gently swab the back of your child’s throat and tonsils. The sample is sent to a lab to check for the bacteria.
While rapid tests give quicker results, a throat culture offers more accuracy, helping determine if a recent strep infection is behind your child’s symptoms.
2. PANS/PANDAS Blood Tests
It’s important to partner with a PANS/PANDAS/AEspecialist who can help interpret blood tests and guide care.
The following blood tests are the same lab tests we recommend for Lyme Diseaseor any tick-borne infections, as well as viruses.
- Lyme Disease and Co-infections:Lyme Western Blot, Babesia microti, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma
- Strep-related Tests: Anti-Streptolysin (ASO), Anti DNase B, Streptozyme
- Viral Testing: Epstein Barr Virus, Coxsackie A & B Titers, HHV-6, COVID
- Immune and Autoimmune Markers:IgE Level, IgA, IgG, IgM, White blood cell count, CBC, ANA, Ferritin, Vitamin D, B-12, B-6, Serum Copper
- Thyroid Testing: Free T3 & T4, TSH
- Genetic and Nutritional Testing: Genetic and Nutritional Testing: Genetic mutation testing (e.g., MTHFR), Full panel nutrient testing, Food allergy testing, Mold testing
- Other Tests: Organic Acids Test, Plasma Amino Acids, Stool Testing, Cunningham Panel. Please note that a Cunningham Panel is NOTrequired for a PANS or PANDAS diagnosis (Hesselmark & Bejerot, 2017).
3. Medical History
Understanding your child’s medical history is essential, especially if they’ve had infections like strep. If you notice sudden shifts in behavioror neuropsychiatric symptoms, make note of when these changes happened.
Early diagnosis and testing give your child the best chance at getting the right supportthey need.
With the right testing, support, and timely care, your child can get back on track and continue to thrive. Let’s work together and take action quickly for the best possible outcome.
Need extra support? Apply for our one-on-one BrainBehaviorReset™ Programfor personalized care designed specifically for your child’s needs. Together, we’ll get to the bottom of their challenges, once and for all.
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
Why is it important to test for PANS, PANDAS, Lyme, and infectious diseases that affect mental health?
Because these infections and immune triggers can inflame the brain and cause sudden shifts in mood, behavior, and thinking. Testing helps us uncover the root cause—because you can’t treat what you don’t test.
What tests are commonly used to detect PANS, PANDAS, Lyme, and co-infections?
A combination of strep titers, viral panels, Lyme/co-infection testing, and immune function markers are typically used. These tests help paint a full picture of what might be inflaming your child’s brain.
Do all kids with PANS or PANDAS need a Cunningham Panel?
Nope. While it can offer insights, it’s not essential for diagnosis or treatment planning.
What’s the best time to get testing done?
As soon as you notice sudden or severe neuropsychiatric changes—early testing helps guide faster, more effective care.
Citations
Leonardi, L., Perna, C., Bernabei, I., Fiore, M., Ma, M., Frankovich, J., Tarani, L., & Spalice, A. (2024). Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS): Immunological Features Underpinning Controversial Entities. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 11(9), 1043. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091043
Hesselmark, E., & Bejerot, S. (2017). Biomarkers for diagnosis of Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) – Sensitivity and specificity of the Cunningham Panel. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 312, 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.08.002
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new health regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis andtreatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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