Empowering Families in the Face of Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)

Despite the debate in the medical community surrounding PANS (Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), therapists specializing in child anxiety, OCD and tics will encounter families and children trying to determine if PANS is part of the clinical picture. Parents need guidance on how to collaborate with pediatricians to assess and treat these children as well as on how to navigate through the turbulence that the sudden onset of marked and difficult symptoms creates.

This live webinar will first briefly discuss how to differentiate the PANS presentation from more typical anxiety disorders and OCD. One of the first goals is helping parents find and connect with appropriate medical services. The second goal is to help parents develop appropriate expectations for their “ill child.” Many of the same approaches are helpful for all kinds of OCD so we work on teaching children and parents exposure and response prevention approaches however in the context of the illness. PANS leads at times to reactivity, intensity of symptoms and regression that can require attention themselves or lead to modifications of usual approaches. Lastly we will focus on sharing information with school and working on appropriate accommodations short and long term. These four aspects of treatment will be illustrated with case examples.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe 3 manifestations of OCD/anxiety that differ in PANS presentation than more common presentation
2. Describe a plan to coordinate with pediatricians for assessment of PANS
3. Evaluate the use and timing of exposure and response prevention approaches within a PANS presentation