Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
When your child is struggling and nothing seems to explain why, it’s heartbreaking—and incredibly confusing. You’re doing everything you can, yet the behaviors don’t add up. You’re not alone. So many parents come to me saying, “This diagnosis just doesn’t fit.”
In this episode, I walk you through how PANS/PANDAS, ADHD, and mood disorders overlap, why misdiagnosis is so common, and the telltale patterns that help you finally understand what’s really going on. By the end, you’ll know the signs, triggers, and brain-based differences that guide kids toward the right support.
Why does my child have symptoms that look like ADHD, anxiety, AND OCD at the same time?
This is one of the biggest reasons kids get misdiagnosed. These conditions all impact brain areas tied to attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control, so on the surface, the behaviors can look identical.
But underneath? The causes are very different.
- PANS/PANDAS: sudden onset, immune-triggered, fluctuating intensity
- ADHD: lifelong executive functioning challenges
- Mood disorders: chronic emotional reactivity, negativity, low frustration tolerance
Parent Story
One mom told me her daughter had “ADHD days” and “fine days”—a classic red flag for PANS/PANDAS because ADHD doesn’t come and go.
Takeaway: If symptoms appear overnight, worsen after illness, or fluctuate week to week, look deeper.
Why does my child’s inattention change so dramatically from one week to the next?
Parents often say, “Some days they’re focused, and other days they’re all over the place.” That pattern tells us a lot.
- ADHD inattention is consistent
- Mood-disorder inattention depends on emotional overwhelm
- PANS/PANDAS inattention comes in waves tied to flares, especially after infections
What to watch for:
- Sudden concentration drops after strep, flu, viruses
- New irritability or aggression with illness
- Morning or evening “micro flares”
The brain isn’t misbehaving—it’s inflamed.
Why is my child melting down so quickly—and so intensely?
Behavior is communication, and kids communicate with the tools their brain has access to.
Here’s how dysregulation shows up across these conditions:
- PANS/PANDAS: immune-driven emotional storms, rapid cycling, sudden rages
- ADHD: impulsive reactions to frustration, sensory overload
- Mood disorders: persistent irritability, rejection sensitivity, conflicts that escalate quickly
When the nervous system is stress-activated, your child can’t use coping tools—even ones they “know.”
It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.
When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless. The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control. Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.
How do I know if this is a mood disorder or something else?
Mood disorders develop slowly and steadily. They don’t typically appear overnight.
Signs you may be dealing with a mood disorder:
- Ongoing negativity or hopelessness
- Chronic irritability (not episodic)
- Emotional shutdown or withdrawal
- Strong sensitivity to criticism
Signs it may not be a mood disorder:
- Dramatic overnight personality shifts
- OCD rituals that appear suddenly
- Regression in skills
- “Symptom waves” connected to illness
Mood disorders stay steady. PANS/PANDAS shifts suddenly.
What patterns should I track to understand my child’s symptoms?
This is where the detective work begins. Track:
- Recent illnesses
- Sleep changes
- New fears or OCD symptoms
- School stress
- Demands that trigger meltdowns
Parent Story
One dad told me, “Once we tracked flares, everything finally made sense.”
Patterns reveal root causes—and the right interventions.
🗣️ “You can’t get proper help without understanding what’s truly driving your child’s behavior.” — Dr. Roseann
Takeaway & What’s Next
Misdiagnosis happens because these conditions overlap—but your child’s patterns, triggers, and onset tell the real story. When you understand whether symptoms are immune-driven, executive-function–based, or emotionally rooted, you can finally get the right help.
👉 Want natural ways to calm PANS/PANDAS flares? Get the Natural PANS/PANDAS Kit to fast-track healing.
FAQs
How can I tell if my child’s symptoms are PANS/PANDAS?
Look for sudden onset, symptom waves, OCD, eating changes, or behavior shifts after infections.
Can ADHD and PANS/PANDAS look the same?
Yes—both cause inattention and dysregulation, but PANS/PANDAS fluctuates dramatically.
Does PANS/PANDAS cause mood swings?
Yes. Immune-triggered inflammation can create rapid shifts in mood and behavior.
What’s the difference between mood disorders and dysregulation?
Mood disorders are persistent; dysregulation fluctuates based on stress and triggers.
Feel like you’ve tried everything and still don’t have answers?
The Solution Matcher helps you find the best starting point based on your child’s symptoms, behaviors, and history. It’s fast, free, and based on decades of clinical expertise.
Get your personalized plan now at www.drroseann.com/help
