SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

PANS and Pandas can, in many cases, be cured with antibiotics. They share some of these symptoms:

Sudden onset of obsessive compulsive disorder, tics or severely restricted food intake combined with two or more of the following:

Anxiety, including separation anxiety, irrational fears and panic episodes. Sudden mood changes and/or depression. Irritability, aggression and/or severe defiant behaviour. Hyperactivity. Sudden deterioration in school performance.

Involuntary movement and/or sensory abnormalities (eg, finding textures unbearable).

Regression — a loss of behavioural and/or developmental skills. Insomnia and/or sleep problems. Involuntary urination/bed-wetting and/or a need to urinate frequently.

Hallucinations or delusions.