Q:
What are the symptoms of PANDAS syndrome?
A:
The abbreviated term “PANDAS” refers to pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus. Clinically, the PANDAS syndrome may be diagnosed when a person develops a variety of physical and behavioral manifestations following a scarlet fever or strep throat infection.
Symptoms of PANDAS syndrome include two aspects: the psychological symptoms and physical ones.
Physical symptoms are:
- Memory problems
- Sleeping problems
- Inability to focus
- Joint pain
- Frequent urination or bedwetting
- Tics and unusual movements
- Sensitivity to light, touch and sound
- Poor handwriting
- Deterioration of small motor skills
- Refusing to eat, thus leading to weight loss
Psychological symptoms are:
- Emotional and developmental regression
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Frequent mood changes
- Obsessive, compulsive and repetitive behaviors
Keywords: PANDAS syndrome; PANDAS syndrome symptoms; pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus.
