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PANS & PANDAS Treatment
Specialized Care for Sudden-Onset OCD and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
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:
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Other infections (viral or bacterial)
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Inflammatory or autoimmune processes
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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:
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Sudden onset vs gradual development
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Fluctuating severity tied to illness or immune activation
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Often co-occurs with physical symptoms
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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
Our Treatment Approach at TrueNorth
We take a whole-person, multidisciplinary-informed approach, grounded in science and compassion.
1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
We evaluate:
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Symptom onset timeline
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Infection and illness history
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OCD vs anxiety vs trauma vs neuroimmune features
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Functional impairment at home and school
2. ERP-Informed Therapy (When Appropriate)
We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) carefully and flexibly:
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Adjusted for developmental level
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Modified during inflammatory flares
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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:
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Reduce accommodation safely
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Respond to symptoms without reinforcing fear
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Understand what is behavior vs biology
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Advocate effectively in schools and medical settings
4. Collaboration With Medical Providers
We regularly coordinate with:
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Pediatricians
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Immunologists
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Neurologists
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Functional & integrative providers
While we do not provide medical treatment, we help families understand how mental health care fits into the larger treatment plan.
School Support & Advocacy
Children with PANS/PANDAS often need temporary academic accommodations.
We assist families with:
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504 Plans and IEP recommendations
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Attendance flexibility
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Reduced workload during flares
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Educator education on PANS/PANDAS
This is not a motivation issue. It is a medical-neuropsychiatric condition.
Who We Work With
We support:
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Children and adolescents with suspected or diagnosed PANS/PANDAS
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Young adults with a PANS/PANDAS history
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Families seeking accurate diagnosis, not dismissal
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Clients misdiagnosed as “just anxious,” “defiant,” or “behavioral”
We serve families across multiple states via secure telehealth.
Why TrueNorth?
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OCD & anxiety specialists (not generalists)
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Deep experience with sudden-onset OCD
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Trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care
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Strong parent partnership model
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Evidence-based, not fear-based
We know how overwhelming this journey can feel—and we also know recovery is possible.
Take the Next Step
If your child’s symptoms appeared suddenly or worsened dramatically following illness, we encourage you to reach out.
* Schedule a consultation
* Ask about PANS/PANDAS-informed therapy
* Learn how to support your child without reinforcing symptoms
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Start Your OCD Recovery with a Free Online Consultation
Taking the first step toward getting help can feel overwhelming; we get it. Schedule a free 15-minute online consultation with one of our therapists. This is your opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of what to expect from therapy, and see if it feels like the right fit for you.