What is PANS/PANDAS? | Emotional Dysregulation in Children | E83

What Is PANS/PANDAS? Understanding Sudden Behavioral Changes in KidsWhen your child suddenly shifts overnight, more anxious, rigid, emotional, or explosive it can feel terrifying.You know something is wrong, but no one seems to have answers.You’re not alone, and your child isn’t misbehaving on purpose.In this episode, Dr. Roseann explains What Is PANS/PANDAS?, why these sudden behavioral and emotional changes happen, and how parents can begin supporting a dysregulated, inflamed brain.In this episode, you’ll learn:• the difference between PANS and PANDAS • common symptoms parents should watch for • how inflammation impacts Emotional Dysregulation in Children • practical ways to support Nervous System Regulation in ChildrenWhat’s really happening in the brainPANS and PANDAS are inflammatory conditions that affect the brain and nervous system.Kids can suddenly develop: • severe anxiety or panic • OCD symptoms and intrusive thoughts • rage or aggression • restrictive eating • ODD • hyperactivity or restlessness • cognitive fog or loss of academic skillsThese abrupt shifts often happen after: • infections • strep exposure • Lyme disease • viruses • mold or toxin exposureReal-life scenario: A gifted child suddenly loses the ability to read after Lyme disease triggers neuroinflammation.It’s not bad behavior—it’s a dysregulated, inflamed brain asking for help.The difference between PANS and PANDASMany parents feel confused about the distinction.👉 PANDAS • triggered specifically by strep infection • involves OCD symptoms or tics • usually childhood onset👉 PANS • broader diagnosis (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) • triggered by infections, toxins, or inflammation • can affect children, teens, and adults • often more medically complexKey point: If symptoms are triggered by more than just strep, it’s considered PANS—not PANDAS.The reframe parents needBehavior is communication.When inflammation overwhelms the nervous system, kids lose access to emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and coping skills.That’s why PANS/PANDAS can mimic: • ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation • Anxiety in Children • OCD in Children • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) • Executive Functioning in Children challengesBut unlike ADHD, PANS/PANDAS symptoms often appear suddenly and dramatically.What you can do nextThe first step is always: 👉 calm the brain first.Helpful supports include: • consistent calming routines • co-regulation techniques • reducing inflammatory triggers • neurofeedback for anxiety and OCD • PEMF for sensory and cognitive regulation • nervous system calming supportsWhen the nervous system is overwhelmed, kids cannot regulate, learn, or recover effectively.If you’ve been searching for How to Calm a Dysregulated Child, regulation and nervous system support are foundational.When to seek additional supportConsider a PANS/PANDAS evaluation if your child: • changed suddenly after illness • lost previously mastered skills • developed abrupt OCD, anxiety, or rage • began refusing school unexpectedly • experiences severe emotional flooding or panicEarly identification and regulation support matter.Listen + Take the Next StepYelling less and staying calm isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having the right tools.Get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit here: 👉 www.drroseann.com/newsletterAnd if this episode helped you better understand PANS/PANDAS, share it with another parent who needs support.Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge helps parents understand Emotional Dysregulation in Children and teaches practical Nervous System Regulation in Children and Co-Regulation Techniques through her Regulation First Parenting™ approach.Mentioned in this episode:Get the FREE Self-Regulation Guide!Do you have a child who gets dysregulated at the drop of a hat, maybe they're cranky and moody and rigid and inflexible? Well, I've got the key to unlock the secrets of successful self-regulation for your child. Get our free resource guide - 147 therapist endorsed self-regulation strategies for children. It's a practical guide for parents and it's a game changer. You can access your copy now and discover practical strategies endorsed by therapists like me, don't miss out and download here:Self-Regulation