Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Linked to Sudden OCD Onset in Children
Paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a condition characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or restricted food intake in children. Beyond these primary symptoms, individuals with PANS may also experience anxiety, emotional changes, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), irritability, aggression, a decline in school performance, sensory or motor abnormalities, tics, sleep disturbances, and changes in urinary frequency. The severity and specific symptoms can vary significantly among affected children. While the exact cause of PANS is not fully understood, it is suspected to be triggered by various infectious or environmental factors, including stress. A subtype of PANS, known as Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with Streptococcus infections (PANDAS), shares similar symptoms but is specifically linked to recent Group A streptococcal infections.
