Logo

Find Your Solution

In 3 minutes, you’ll know where to start ➤

Join the Dysregulation Insider get free calm parenting tips straight to your inbox!

YES, I'M IN!

175: Treating PANS/PANDAS: From Diagnosis to Recovery - A Comprehensive Approach with Dr. Scott Antoine

March 27, 2024
Struggling to understand sudden OCD, anxiety, or behavioral changes? In this episode, I explore treating PANS/PANDAS with expert Dr. Scott Antoine, sharing evidence-based strategies to help kids heal. I guide parents using my Regulation First Parenting™ approach to calm dysregulated brains.
Apple podcast subscribeCastbox subscribeSpotify subscribeAmazon music subscribeaudible subscribe
#N/A

[embed]https://player.captivate.fm/episode/89741f23-fee1-4bf0-9fd3-d086fe2cbaf1[/embed]

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Watching your child spiral overnight can feel terrifying and isolating. The confusion, the fear, the endless “why me?” moments—it’s overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Scott Antoine shares his personal journey and professional expertise on treating PANS/PANDAS.

You’ll learn how to identify symptoms, navigate complex treatment options, and support your child’s recovery—emotionally and physically.

How Can I Tell If My Child’s Sudden OCD or Anxiety is PANS/PANDAS?

PANS/PANDAS often appears abruptly, triggered by infections like strep, mycoplasma, or Lyme disease.

Unlike typical behavioral issues, symptoms are sudden and severe:

  • Compulsive rituals that escalate quickly
  • Extreme anxiety or panic
  • Food restrictions or sudden sensory sensitivities
  • Sleep disruptions

Parent Story

One parent described her daughter’s rapid hand-washing obsession—so intense it caused bleeding—before a PANDAS diagnosis. Early recognition and proper testing are essential for effective treatment.

What Are Evidence-Based Treatment Options for PANS/PANDAS?

Treating PANS/PANDAS requires a holistic, integrative approach that addresses both immune and neurological factors:

  • IVIG therapy for severe immune-mediated cases
  • Targeted antibiotics and herbal remedies for infections
  • Biofilm-disrupting supplements to support immune clearance
  • Detoxification and nutrient optimization

Dr. Antoine emphasizes combining traditional Western medicine with integrative approaches for faster, safer recovery. Parents often feel relief when symptoms begin to recede within days to weeks of comprehensive treatment.

Natural Pans Pandas Parent Kit

How Can Families Cope Emotionally During Recovery?

Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Families often face skepticism, delays in diagnosis, and persistent behavioral challenges:

  • Co-regulation strategies help parents stay calm, modeling safety and security
  • Neurofeedback, CBT, and exposure-response prevention (ERP) support lingering anxiety or OCD behaviors
  • Open communication and peer support networks reduce parental stress

Parent Story

One father shared that focusing on co-regulation instead of “fixing” behavior transformed his child’s daily struggles into manageable steps.

If you’re tired of walking on eggshells or feeling like nothing works… Get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit and finally learn what to say and do in the heat of the moment.
Become a
Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and take the first step to a calmer home.

Why Are Awareness and Advocacy Crucial?

Many physicians remain unaware of PANS/PANDAS, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed care. Raising awareness ensures your child gets the right treatment sooner:

  • Share trusted resources like Dr. Antoine’s book
  • Advocate for comprehensive testing and informed treatment plans
  • Collaborate with providers who value integrative approaches

Early education and advocacy can shorten the road to recovery significantly.

🗣️ "Behavior is communication. When a child’s brain is overwhelmed by infection or immune triggers, it’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. Calm the brain first, and everything else becomes possible." — Dr. Roseann

Takeaway & What’s Next

PANS/PANDAS can be daunting, but recovery is possible. With early recognition, evidence-based treatment, and emotional support, children can regain their health and families can feel empowered.

Check out The Center for Fully Functional Health: https://fullyfunctional.com/

To learn more about PANS/PANDAS, make sure to grab a copy of Dr. Scott Antoine’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Physicians-Guide-Management-PANDAS/dp/163763269X

FAQs

Can PANS/PANDAS symptoms appear suddenly?

Yes. Symptoms often emerge overnight after infections, with abrupt OCD, anxiety, or behavioral changes.

Is PANS/PANDAS permanent?

No. With comprehensive treatment, many children recover fully, though some may need ongoing support.

Can natural therapies help alongside medical treatment?

Absolutely. Nutrition, detoxification, and co-regulation strategies complement medical interventions and support long-term wellness.

How do I find a knowledgeable doctor for PANS/PANDAS?

Look for providers familiar with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders and integrative approaches, like those referenced by Dr. Antoine.

Every child’s journey is different. That’s why cookie-cutter solutions don’t work.
Take the free Solution Matcher Quiz and get a customized path to support your child’s emotional and behavioral needs—no guessing, no fluff.

Start today at www.drroseann.com/help

Find this helpful? Leave us a review!

If you found yourself nodding along while listening, take a moment to follow and leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts.
Your feedback helps more overwhelmed parents find calm, clarity, and the proven tools that make everyday life easier.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: Revolutionizing Children’s Mental Health

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s podcast, It’s Gonna be OK!™: Science-Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health, is in the top 2% globally. The podcast empowers parents with natural, science-backed solutions to improve children’s self-regulation and calm their brains. Each episode delivers expert advice and practical strategies, making it indispensable for parents of neurodivergent children or those with behavioral or mental health challenges.

Dr. Roseann, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, created the Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and BrainBehaviorReset® method. With her extensive experience, she provides families with hope and effective strategies to manage conditions like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.

Forbes has called her “A thought leader in children’s mental health,” highlighting her revolutionary impact on mental health education and treatment. Through her podcast and innovative methods, Dr. Roseann continues to transform how we approach, treat and understand children’s mental health.
Drrosean speech

More Podcast Episodes: