Episode 150: Homeopathy for PANS and PANDAS with Anna Bihari

What are PANS and PANDAS, and why can a child's behaviour seem to change so suddenly? In this episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith speaks with Anna Bihari about PANS and PANDAS, the symptoms families may notice and the individualized way she approaches these complex cases within homeopathic practice. They discuss OCD, rage, fears, behavioural changes, infections, detailed health histories and the importance of looking at the whole child rather than focusing on one symptom alone. What Are PANS and PANDAS? Anna explains that PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, while PANDAS refers to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections. These are complex pediatric neuropsychiatric conditions that can involve sudden changes in behaviour and mental health. Because symptoms may overlap with other conditions, qualified medical assessment is important. OCD and Sudden Behavioural Changes Anna describes OCD and episodes of rage as symptoms she frequently hears about from families. OCD can also look very different from one child to another. It may involve repeating certain words, arranging objects in a particular way, rituals, hoarding or needing family members to respond in a specific manner. This individuality is important within Anna's homeopathic approach. Looking at the Complete Health History Rather than choosing a remedy based only on a diagnosis, Anna describes building a detailed timeline. She may ask about pregnancy and birth, previous infections, school, sleep, appetite, digestion, fears, dreams, food sensitivities and changes that appeared around the time symptoms began. The aim is to understand the broader pattern rather than treating every child with PANS or PANDAS in exactly the same way. Different Homeopathic Remedy Pictures Mary and Anna discuss remedies including Baryta carbonica, Stramonium, Lachesis, Arsenicum album and Carcinosin within traditional homeopathic materia medica. They compare different emotional and behavioural patterns, such as shyness, intense fear, anger, jealousy, rigidity and people pleasing. These are traditional homeopathic associations and are not established treatments for PANS, PANDAS, OCD or behavioural disorders. Infections and Medical Treatment The conversation also discusses the possible role of infections. PANDAS specifically involves an association with group A streptococcal infection. When an active bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be medically indicated. Homeopathy should not delay appropriate pediatric assessment, infection treatment or mental health support. Homeopathy and "Detox" Anna also explains what she means by detoxing within her own homeopathic practice, including individualized remedies and what she calls organ support. Homeopathic detox methods have not been established as a way to remove medications, environmental chemicals, mold toxins or other substances from the body. Symptoms should be properly investigated rather than automatically attributed to toxins. Key Takeaways PANS and PANDAS can involve sudden neuropsychiatric changes. OCD may appear differently from child to child. Rage, anxiety and fears can also form part of the wider picture. A detailed health history may help identify useful patterns. Active infections may require conventional medical treatment. Homeopathic prescribing is traditionally individualized. "Detox" claims should not replace proper investigation of symptoms. Homeopathy has not been established as an effective treatment for PANS or PANDAS and should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care. Join the Pans/Pandas Homeopathy Support Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1090703452738568 Join the Detoxing with Homeopathy Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/detoxingwithhomeopathy/ Visit Anna's website: https://www.homeopathywithanna.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247 You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/