For years, parents of children displaying symptoms related to mental health have walked into doctors’ offices armed with articles and a desperate hope for tests and treatments. They suspect their children may have Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) or its related condition, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). These parents yearn for understanding and relief, often feeling unheard.
Children suffering from these conditions may exhibit severe psychiatric and neurological symptoms, appearing as if they have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Many struggle with attending school, lose previously mastered skills in writing and math, and some even face anorexia or experience hundreds of tics every hour. In extreme cases, families must separate to maintain safety. This isolation is compounded by a lack of understanding from friends, family, and school staff, often leading to harmful stigma and blame directed at the parents.
In their search for help, parents frequently encounter skepticism from the medical community. They are told that PANS is not a “real” diagnosis, that it falls within the realm of psychiatric disorders that require acceptance. However, these parents refuse to accept the grim reality of their child’s suffering, which includes severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and life-altering tics.
Since the first identification of PANS in the 1990s, parents have fought tirelessly for their children’s health, often seeking treatment far from home and incurring significant expenses. While many children show improvement with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, the primary hurdle remains obtaining an accurate diagnosis—a daunting task when the medical literature on the immune system’s effect on the brain has not translated into clinical practice.
Then Came COVID-19
Amid the global upheaval brought by the pandemic, the PANS community has unexpectedly gained validation. Parents who once faced ridicule for suggesting infections could trigger severe symptoms are now finding acknowledgment and support. COVID-19 has shed light on the reality that various infections can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Medical journals have rapidly filled with studies documenting the onset of neurological and psychiatric issues following COVID-19 infections. Individuals previously healthy are now grappling with mental health crises long after the virus has cleared. The contrast with the plight of those suffering from PANS is stark; while PANS was largely dismissed, post-COVID-19 conditions have received widespread recognition and funding, with billions now being allocated to research.
Despite the progress, feelings of resentment linger. The trauma inflicted by PANS on families is profound. Research indicates that the burden on caregivers is comparable to that associated with severe childhood diseases. Parents enduring PANS describe their struggles as more challenging than experiences with civil war or childhood cancer, compounding the pain of being dismissed by the medical community.
Nevertheless, hope emerges where once there was despair. COVID-19 has illuminated the very issues PANS families have been advocating for. While an apology for past neglect seems unlikely, the surge in research funding and recognition that infections can trigger psychiatric symptoms offers a glimmer of consolation and a pathway to potential treatments.
For more insights into related topics, consider exploring this blog post on home insemination. If you’re seeking authoritative information, check out Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, this resource from the CDC is invaluable: CDC on Infertility.
Related Searches:
- What is PANS?
- Understanding PANDAS
- Symptoms of PANS
- Treatment options for PANS
- PANS and mental health
In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic, while tragic, has inadvertently provided a voice for families battling PANS and PANDAS, granting them the validation and research attention they have long sought.