Salt + Cedar Collective

October 9th is PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day—and if you’ve never heard of these conditions, you’re not alone. But here’s why they matter.

Imagine waking up one day and suddenly being terrified to eat. Or developing severe OCD seemingly overnight. Or becoming so anxious you can’t leave your room—when just last week, you were completely fine.

This isn’t a horror movie plot. It’s the reality for thousands of kids and teens living with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections).

What Actually Happens?

Here’s the deal: PANS and PANDAS occur when your immune system gets its wires crossed. After fighting off an infection—like strep throat, the flu, or other illnesses—your body’s defense system mistakenly attacks parts of your brain. It’s like friendly fire, but in your nervous system.

The result? Dramatic, sudden psychiatric symptoms that can turn someone’s life upside down in a matter of days or weeks.

The Red Flags

PANS/PANDAS typically shows up in children and teens, and the onset is sudden and dramatic—not gradual. Watch for:

• Severe, overnight OCD that comes out of nowhere (obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, extreme rigidity)
• Eating restrictions or sudden food refusal (sometimes related to fear of choking or contamination)
• Extreme anxiety and panic attacks
• Dramatic personality changes (irritability, emotional outbursts, regression to younger behaviors)
• Movement problems (tics, clumsiness, handwriting deterioration)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares, bedwetting)
• Cognitive issues (brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory problems)
• Sensory sensitivities (heightened reactions to sounds, textures, lights)

The key word here is acute. We’re talking about a kid who was doing fine on Monday having a complete personality shift by Friday.

Why This Matters

PANS/PANDAS is often misdiagnosed or dismissed entirely. Kids get labeled as having a “behavioral problem” or “typical teen anxiety” when they’re actually dealing with a medical condition affecting their brain. This delays proper treatment and can lead to years of unnecessary suffering.

The good news? When caught early and treated appropriately—often with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and immune-based therapies—many kids can recover significantly or completely.

If This Sounds Familiar

Trust your gut. If you or someone you know has experienced sudden, severe psychiatric symptoms—especially following an illness—advocate for proper evaluation. PANS/PANDAS testing isn’t always standard, so you may need to push for it.

Connect with specialists who understand these conditions. Join support groups. You’re not imagining things, and you’re not alone.

This October 9th, let’s shine a light on conditions that literally change brains overnight—and remember that what looks like a mental health crisis might actually have a medical solution.

Because awareness isn’t just about knowing these conditions exist. It’s about getting kids the right help at the right time.

If you suspect PANS/PANDAS, consult with a healthcare provider experienced in these conditions. Early intervention can make all the difference.