PANDAS and the conventional medical system

/

There are only a few occasions where I am hopefully impressed with the way the conventional medical system acknowledges the connection between our physical health symptoms, bacteria, viruses and our mental state of health.

PANDAS is one of those occasions. I was reminded the other day by a patient of mine who stated it clearly by saying something to the effect of 'even the medical diagnosis actually understands the link between an infection and behavioural symptoms' so now what about the others. As Homeopaths, we don't try to separate out peoples' parts to simplify matters. We acknowledge and accept the challenge of the mystery of humanity and the human immune system in all its intelligent wonders (despite that it makes our job difficult sometimes). As Homeopaths, looking at the whole person is essential - not just an ideal. How everything works together for one person is going to be entirely different for another. I love my job, it is always an adventure and keeps me entranced by our amazing abilities to heal. It is so rewarding to know that I can offer more than more antibiotics (which sometimes can cause more complications for certain people).

Here is the National Institute of Mental Health's take on Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), not cute and cuddly;

What is PANDAS?

PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. A child may be diagnosed with PANDAS when:

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders suddenly appear following a strep infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever); or
  • The symptoms of OCD or tic symptoms suddenly become worse following a strep infection.

The symptoms are usually dramatic, happen “overnight and out of the blue,” and can include motor and/or vocal tics, obsessions, and/or compulsions. In addition to these symptoms, children may also become moody, irritable, experience anxiety attacks, or show concerns about separating from parents or loved ones. Taken from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/pandas/index.shtml