At TrueNorth Anxiety & OCD Specialists, we provide expert evaluation and evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults impacted by PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections).

When symptoms appear overnight—severe OCD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or regression—it can be frightening and confusing for families. You are not imagining it, and you are not alone. We are here to help you understand what’s happening and guide your family toward recovery.

PANDAS is a subtype of PANS linked specifically to Group A Streptococcal infections (such as strep throat).

PANS is broader and may be triggered by:

• Other infections (viral or bacterial)

• Inflammatory or autoimmune processes

• Metabolic or environmental stressors

In both cases, the brain becomes a target of immune activity, particularly in areas responsible for emotion regulation, behavior, and threat detection.

Common Signs & Symptoms

While OCD is always neurobiological, PANS/PANDAS has a medical trigger that must be taken seriously.

Key differences:

• Sudden onset vs gradual development

• Fluctuating severity tied to illness or immune activation

• Often co-occurs with physical symptoms

• Requires collaborative medical + psychological care

Standard reassurance-based therapy alone is often not enough during acute phases.

How PANS/PANDAS Is Different From “Typical” OCD

While OCD is always neurobiological, PANS/PANDAS has a medical trigger that must be taken seriously.

Key differences:

• Sudden onset vs gradual development

• Fluctuating severity tied to illness or immune activation

• Often co-occurs with physical symptoms

• Requires collaborative medical + psychological care

Standard reassurance-based therapy alone is often not enough during acute phases

Our Treatment Approach at TrueNorth

We take a whole-person, multidisciplinary-informed approach, grounded in science and compassion.

1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

We evaluate:

• Symptom onset timeline

• Infection and illness history

• OCD vs anxiety vs trauma vs neuroimmune features

• Functional impairment at home and school
   

2. ERP-Informed Therapy (When Appropriate)

We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) carefully and flexibly:

• Adjusted for developmental level

• Modified during inflammatory flares

• Focused on reducing accommodation without overwhelming the nervous system

ERP is introduced when the brain is ready, not forced prematurely.

3. Parent Coaching & Family Support

Parents are not the problem—but they are a critical part of healing.
We help caregivers:

• Reduce accommodation safely

• Respond to symptoms without reinforcing fear

• Understand what is behavior vs biology

• Advocate effectively in schools and medical settings
   

4. Collaboration With Medical Providers

We regularly coordinate with:

• Pediatricians

• Immunologists

• Neurologists

• Functional & integrative providers

While we do not provide medical treatment, we help families understand how mental health care fits into the larger treatment plan.