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If your child suddenly seems like a completely different kid – more anxious, more emotional, more angry or withdrawn and you can’t figure out why, you’re not alone. This post is for you.
We’re going to talk about something that most people miss: how the nervous system can get stuck in stress mode, and how conditions like PANS or PANDAS might be at the root of it.
What Are Sudden Behavioral Changes in Children?
When a child suddenly becomes more anxious, angry, withdrawn, or reactive—especially after an illness or stressful event, it’s often a sign their nervous system is dysregulated.
In simple terms, their brain and body get stuck in stress mode, making it hard for them to calm down, think clearly, or manage emotions… and that’s when extreme behaviors show up.
What Causes Sudden Behavioral Changes in Children?
Some of the reasons behind sudden behavioral changes in kids and teens include:
- Illness that has the potential to affect the brain and cause behavior problems like strep throat.
- Past trauma, family or relationship problems or school pressure
- Conditions such as ADHD, Autism (ASD), anxiety
- Insomnia or sleep problems, changes in hormones, or conditions that can create an imbalance in brain
- Nervous system Dysregulation
What Is Nervous System Dysregulation and How Is It Linked to PANS/PANDAS ?
PANS and PANDAS cause nervous system dysregulation. After an infection like strep, the immune system can mistakenly attack the brain. That inflammation puts the nervous system on high alert.
Your child’s brain gets stuck in survival mode. You start seeing big meltdowns, sudden fears, obsessive thoughts, or sensory overload. Not because they’re being difficult, but because their brain doesn’t feel safe.
These behaviors aren’t random. They’re signs the brain needs help and support.
What to look for:
- Outbursts that feel too intense for the moment
- Avoiding favorite things
- Sensitivity to lights, sounds, or textures
- Trouble sleeping
- Sudden anxiety or separation fears
This isn’t your child turning into someone else. It’s inflammation, immune response, and a brain calling out for help.
Typical bad-day behavior vs. chronic signs of dysregulation
| Just a Bad Day | Nervous System Dysregulation |
|---|---|
| Tantrum after school | Daily meltdowns, even after rest |
| Cranky from poor sleep | Ongoing sleep issues for weeks |
| Forgot homework once | Daily executive functioning issues |
| Upset by loud noise | Hyperreactive to all sensory input |
What Are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS and PANDAS are real medical conditions that can flip a child’s world—and a parent’s, upside down, almost overnight.
With PANDAS, a strep infection is often the trigger. PANS can be caused by other infections or even environmental issues. But in both, the immune system gets confused and starts attacking the brain.
That inflammation disrupts how the brain and nervous system work, leading to sudden OCD symptoms, anxiety, tics, or emotional outbursts that feel like they came out of nowhere.
If your child seemed to change after getting sick… this could be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.
What Are the Symptoms of PANS/PANDAS?
Common signs include:
- Obsessive behaviors: Repeating actions or thoughts.
- Tics: Uncontrolled movements or sounds.
- Mood changes: More anxiety or sudden mood swings.
- Regression: Acting younger than usual.
- Sleep problems: Trouble falling asleep or waking up often.
- School struggles: A drop in performance or focus.
- Nervous system issues: Big emotions, irrational fears, or withdrawing.
How Are PANS/PANDAS Diagnosed?
To figure out what’s going on, doctors will do a full check-up, including:
- Looking at the Medical History about when the symptoms first showed up and how they’ve changed.
- A physical exam to check for any signs of infection or brain-related issues.
- Lab tests such as testing for recent infections, especially strep throat.
- Neuropsychiatric Evaluation: Looking at how your child’s behavior and brain are connected.
- Imaging or Other Tests: To dig a little deeper into what’s happening.
It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals experienced in these conditions for accurate diagnosis. At our center, we also use QEEG brain mapping to identify patterns of dysregulation in the brain.
What Treatment Options Are Available for PANS/PANDAS?
Treatment plans are individualized and may include:
- Antibiotics: To address underlying infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: To reduce brain inflammation.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To manage OCD and anxiety symptoms.
- Immunomodulatory Therapies: In severe cases, treatments like IVIG may be considered.
- Brain-Based Tools: Such as neurofeedback, PEMF, and calming strategies to regulate the nervous system.
We use our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program to combine these approaches and support long-term healing.
It’s our 1:1 program where you’ll receive 6-months of personalized care tailored to the unique needs of your child and family, so you can finally see your child calm, healthy, and happy.
How Can I Support My Child at Home?
Supporting a child with sudden behavioral changes involves:
- Creating a Stable Environment: Maintaining routines and minimizing stressors.
- Regulating Yourself First: When parents model calm, it helps kids co-regulate.
- Using the C.A.L.M.S. Protocol™: Co-regulate first, Avoid personalizing, Look for root causes, Model coping strategies, Support and reinforce.
- Educating Yourself: Understand PANS or PANDAS to better support your child.
- Collaborating with Educators: Ensure teachers know and can offer the right support.
- Seeking Support: Join support groups or counseling for guidance and emotional help.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
If your child shows sudden, uncharacteristic behavioral changes after an illness, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional right away. Dysregulation signals that the brain needs support, and early intervention can make a big difference in outcomes.
Parent Action Steps:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PANS and PANDAS?
PANDAS is a subset of PANS, specifically associated with streptococcal infections. PANS encompasses a broader range of triggers, including various infections and environmental factors.
Can adults develop PANS/PANDAS?
While these conditions are primarily diagnosed in children, similar symptoms can occur in adults, though it’s less common.
How long do symptoms of PANS/PANDAS last?
The duration varies; some children experience symptoms for weeks, while others may have prolonged episodes. Early treatment can help reduce the duration and severity.
Are there any long-term effects?
With appropriate treatment, many children recover fully. However, some may experience recurrent episodes, emphasizing the importance of ongoing medical care.
Citations
Swedo, S. E., Leonard, H. L., Garvey, M., Mittleman, B., Allen, A. J., Perlmutter, S. J., … & Rapoport, J. L. (1998). Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: Clinical description of the first 50 cases. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(2), 264–271. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.155.2.264
Song, E. (2021). Understanding neuroinflammation in kids: How PANS and PANDAS affect the body and brain. Healthy Kids Happy Kids Blog. https://healthykidshappykids.com/2021/06/16/pans-and-pandas/
Capanna-Hodge, R. (2023). The BrainBehaviorReset™ approach: Rethinking behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation. It’s Gonna Be OK! Podcast, Episode 141. https://drroseann.com/podcast/
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in PANS/PANDAS who frequently is in the media:
- Parenting beyond the headlines Podcast Talking About PANS, PANDAS and Autoimmune Encephalitis
- Parenting Prism Podcast Understanding Lyme Disease
- The Mack Talks Podcast Topic: Fighting the Stigma on Mental Health & Lyme Disease with Dr. Roseann
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