The sudden onset of severe behavioral changes in children and a PANDAS diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful for everyone in the family. Getting proper medical care, maintaining a structured home environment, engaging in therapy, and finding support at school can help manage symptoms. Parents must also prioritize self-care. Then, with the right coping strategies in place, hope and stability can be found.
Kids with a PANDAS diagnosis will find themselves suddenly dealing with severe behavioral changes. Their parents? They are often left feeling confused and desperate for answers about how they can reduce the struggles their child is facing.
There is much uncertainty surrounding PANDAS for everyone involved. And it doesn’t take long for helplessness to set in.
What now?
Learning about PANDAS, getting the right treatment and support, and implementing coping strategies can help the child and the whole family navigate this new territory. This article explores what it is like to live with a PANDAS diagnosis and provides coping strategies for families and children.
Understanding PANDAS
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS, is a condition in which a strep infection triggers an autoimmune response that can impact the brain, causing the rapid onset of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in children.
PANDAS can include symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, tics, emotional outbursts, depression, and developmental regression. Because these symptoms come on so suddenly and in such a strong manner, they can often leave parents stunned.
Researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of the condition. However, it is believed to be due to antibodies that attack healthy brain tissue by mistake and cause inflammation and neurotransmitter disruption.
Getting the proper diagnosis is crucial for treatment, but no single test can diagnose it. Rather, medical professionals must take steps to rule out other conditions.
Coping Strategies for Families
When given a PANDAS diagnosis, it is crucial to have the right support— and that includes having coping strategies for parents and the young patient.
Enlisting Proper Medical Care
Getting properly diagnosed is so important. Being surrounded by a team of medical professionals that accurately diagnose the condition is necessary to get the proper treatment to address the underlying infection and everything that goes along with it.
Keep in mind that treatment will vary from one patient to the next. Close monitoring of symptoms by parents will help these professionals make adjustments to how they are approaching the condition to give the child the greatest benefit.
Developing a Supportive Environment at Home
Home is where you want your child to have the most comfort and peace. Finding that can be tough when dealing with PANDAS.
Setting a rigid and structured routine can alleviate any surprises and help reduce anxiety and increase emotional stability. This can help the child to feel more secure in their surroundings while keeping stressors and triggers at bay.
Create a safe environment that allows open communication and expression. Also make it easy for your child to know what to expect out of the day with a visually-appealing calendar. This can be beneficial.
Ways to Handle Behavioral/Emotional Struggles
Different types of therapy and exercises can reduce the severity of the symptoms due to the development of coping skills.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP) can reduce anxiety and the symptoms of OCD. Those who are regressing developmentally can benefit greatly from occupational therapy as it can restore their motor skills. Finally, engaging in mindfulness exercises can help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety
Monitor Family Dynamics
Each family is unique, but it is important to consider every dynamic when determining coping strategies. Not only does the patient have to navigate life with these new symptoms, but parents are also tasked with trying to help their child while dealing with the heaviness of the diagnosis—all while handling everyday, routine family functions and issues.
Be sure to monitor siblings, giving them the attention they need. Be open and honest about the diagnosis in a way that the little one will be able to understand.
Coping Skills for School and Social Situations
PANDAS can lead to difficulties in school as many find it hard to concentrate and engage with others. Discussing the situation with a trusted guidance counselor can often lead to the inclusion of resources, such as a 504 Plan or IEP.
Making the staff aware of the child’s struggles can help create a more positive, supportive environment. With the help of teachers and staff, the child may be more likely to develop social connections with their peers.
Self-Care for Parents
There is no denying that caring for a child who is living with PANDAS can be tough. You need to take the time to engage in a little self-care for yourself. After all, making your wellness a priority makes it easier for you to care for your struggling kiddo.
Regularly engaging in hobbies, exercising, or simply finding time to relax can be very helpful. Therapy is also a good option for parents as it can be a helpful place to process everything you are going through as well as receive guidance on how best to support your child.
PANDAS support groups and online forums can be a great resource, too.
Treatment for PANDAS at Lyme Mexico
If your child has been diagnosed with PANDAS or you have an inkling that may be what you are dealing with— the expert team at Lyme Mexico and their cutting-edge treatment options can help. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, and find alternate treatments that will give you the relief you have been hoping for.
As a world-renowned clinic, they specialize in innovative approaches that are designed to get to the root cause of the condition. Combined with a patient-centered approach and a team of physicians with much knowledge and expertise in the area, Lyme Mexico is the place to find solutions.
Become a patient and schedule a consultation today!
Conclusion
A PANDAS diagnosis can happen fast and be very overwhelming. However, with the right treatment, support, and coping strategies, children and their families can overcome the challenges and be optimistic about the future.