Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When your child suddenly shifts overnight—more anxious, more rigid, more emotional—it can feel terrifying. You know something is wrong, but no one seems to have answers. You’re not alone, and your child isn’t misbehaving on purpose.
In this episode, let me break down what PANS and PANDAS really are, why these sudden changes happen, and how parents can begin supporting a dysregulated brain. You’ll learn the key differences between PANS and PANDAS, what symptoms to watch for, and why calming the nervous system is the first step toward healing.
Why did my child’s behavior change overnight?
A sudden, dramatic shift in behavior is one of the hallmark signs of PANS/PANDAS. Kids can go from functioning well to struggling with anxiety, OCD, rage, or school refusal in what feels like seconds.
These abrupt changes are triggered by infections, toxins, or tick-borne illnesses that inflame the brain.
Common sudden-onset symptoms include:
- OCD behaviors or intrusive thoughts
- Severe separation anxiety
- Irritability or aggression
- Emotional lability
- Restrictive eating
- Loss of academic skills (even reading)
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Panic or generalized anxiety
Real-Life Scenario
A gifted student abruptly lost his ability to read—not due to dyslexia, but undiagnosed Lyme disease. Decades later, neurofeedback finally relieved his remaining anxiety.
The behavior isn’t intentional; it’s a dysregulated, inflamed brain calling for help.
What is the difference between PANS and PANDAS?
This confusion is so common that many parents don’t even know where to start.
PANDAS
- Triggered exclusively by strep infection
- Must involve OCD or tic symptoms
- Typically considered childhood onset
PANS
- Stands for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome
- Can be triggered by multiple infections (Lyme, viruses, mold) or toxins
- Can occur in children, teens, and adults
- Usually more complex due to multiple underlying causes
Key point: PANS is broader. If your child has strep and other infections or toxic exposures, it’s considered PANS—not PANDAS.
Why is my child suddenly anxious, angry, or refusing school?
Inflammation affects emotional regulation, impulse control, mood, and cognitive functioning. Kids may experience:
- Rage episodes
- Panic attacks
- Emotional flooding
- Cognitive fog
- School refusal (affecting at least 50% of PANS/PANDAS families)
When the nervous system is overwhelmed, kids can’t regulate. Behavior is communication.
Yelling less and staying calm isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having the right tools. Join the Dysregulation Insider VIP list and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit, designed to help you handle oppositional behaviors without losing it. Download it now at www.drroseann.com/newsletter
Could this be ADHD—or is it PANS/PANDAS?
This is a big question for many parents. The tricky part? PANS/PANDAS can mimic ADHD, creating:
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Trouble focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Impulsivity
But unlike ADHD, these symptoms start suddenly.
And most importantly: ADHD doesn’t erase reading skills overnight—but PANS/PANDAS can.
If symptoms appeared abruptly, worsened dramatically, or started after an illness, consider a PANS/PANDAS evaluation.
What should I do if I think my child has PANS/PANDAS?
The first step is always to calm the nervous system, because no healing can occur when the brain is stress-activated.
Supportive strategies include:
- Consistent calming routines
- PEMF for sensory and cognitive regulation
- Neurofeedback for anxiety and OCD
- Reducing inflammation triggers
- Gentle, structured co-regulation
It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. And it is going to be OK.
🗣️ “A sudden onset of a mental health issue is not normal. You have to calm the nervous system so it can heal itself.” — Dr. Roseann
Takeaway
PANS/PANDAS isn’t a behavioral issue—it’s an inflammatory brain condition that can turn a child’s world upside down. But with the right understanding and nervous system-first support, healing is possible. You’re not alone, and there are compassionate, science-backed tools to help your child feel like themselves again.
FAQs
What are the first signs of PANS/PANDAS?
Sudden OCD, anxiety, irritability, regression in skills, or severe emotional shifts that appear abruptly after an infection or illness.
Can PANS/PANDAS happen without strep?
Yes. That’s PANS. It can be triggered by Lyme, viruses, mold, or toxins—not just strep.
Can a child outgrow PANS/PANDAS?
Kids can recover, but only with proper treatment and nervous system support. They don’t simply “grow out of it.”
Does PANS/PANDAS cause learning issues?
Yes. Kids can suddenly lose reading, math, or writing skills due to inflammation in critical brain pathways.
Is PANS/PANDAS lifelong?
No. Early identification and brain-calming strategies greatly improve outcomes.
When your child is struggling, time matters.
Don’t wait and wonder—use the Solution Matcher to get clear next steps, based on what’s actually going on with your child’s brain and behavior. Take the quiz at www.drroseann.com/help
