When Sudden Behavior Changes Signal Infection: The PANS/PANDAS Connection with Dr. Lindsey Wells

When Sudden Behavior Changes Signal Infection: The PANS/PANDAS Connection with Dr. Lindsey Wells Podcast: The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland Guest: Lindsey Wells, ND Episode Topic: PANS & PANDAS, infection-triggered neuropsychiatric illness in children Episode 4: Understanding PANS/PANDAS in Children with Dr. Lindsey Wells Episode Description In this episode of The Made to Heal Show, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Lindsey Wells, a naturopathic physician specializing in pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, and vector-borne diseases. Dr. Wells shares her expertise on recognizing, diagnosing, and treating these often-misunderstood conditions that affect 1 in 150-200 children. Guest Bio Dr. Lindsey Wells, ND is a naturopathic physician located in Trumble, Connecticut, focusing her practice on pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, vector-borne disease, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is the immediate past president of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physician Association and a fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. Dr. Wells frequently lectures on PANS, PANDAS, and ASD to both professional and parent organizations. Key Topics Covered What Are PANS & PANDAS? PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome): Triggered by various infections including mycoplasma, viruses, and bacteria PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus): Specifically triggered by strep infections Affects approximately 1 in 150-200 children—more common than most people think Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For Sudden, acute onset of OCD Abrupt anxiety and separation anxiety Tics Restrictive eating patterns Urinary urgency, frequency, or bedwetting Speech disfluency (stuttering, regression to baby talk) Changes in handwriting Diagnosis Approach Clinical diagnosis based on medical history and symptom presentation No single lab test confirms or rules out PANS/PANDAS Comprehensive testing includes: Strep antibodies Mycoplasma testing Vector-borne disease screening (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia) Nutritional markers Inflammatory markers Cerebral folate deficiency antibodies The Three-Pronged Treatment Approach Symptom Support: Providing immediate relief for the child and family Antimicrobial Support: Addressing underlying infections with appropriate treatment Immunomodulatory Support: Reducing inflammation and supporting immune function Vector-Borne Disease Connection Bartonella: Primary indicator is rage and aggression Babesia: Presents with dysautonomia symptoms, air hunger, sound sensitivities Not currently included in PANS diagnostic criteria but critically important to test Strong overlap between vector-borne disease and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism When PANS/PANDAS Resolves Puberty: Hormonal changes can help with immune regulation Blood-brain barrier closure: Age 21 for females, age 24 for males Goal is to manage and decrease severity, frequency, and duration of flares until resolution Simple At-Home Test Ibuprofen trial: If symptoms improve with ibuprofen (10mg/kg, up to 600mg per dose), it indicates immune-mediated condition rather than primary behavioral issue Dietary & Lifestyle Interventions Focus on adding antimicrobial foods: garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, onions Increase healthy oils: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil Consider eliminating gluten and dairy if possible Watch for food cravings (may indicate sensitivity) Increase fiber and protein intake Ensure adequate vitamin D, A, zinc, iron, and ferritin levels Key Takeaways for Parents Trust your instincts—you know your child best Sudden behavioral changes warrant investigation Anxiety medication alone won't address underlying immune/infection issues Work with a provider who truly understands PANS/PANDAS Maintain the three-pronged approach even during maintenance phase Take care of yourself—when you're regulated, your child does better Resources Connect with Dr. Lindsay Wells: Website: lindseywellsnd.com Instagram: @lindseywellsnd Practice: Wells Natural Medicine (Trumble, Connecticut)