FAQ’s
Q: What is PANDAS?
A: PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep
Q: What are the Signs of PANDAS?
A: • Obesessive-compulsive behaviors
• Abrupt Onset of symptoms
• Motor and Verbal tics and/or Tourette Syndrome
• ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity, inattention, fidgety)
• Severe separation anxiety
• Mood Changes (irritability, sadness, emotional swings)
• Sleep distubance
• Night-time bed wetting and/or daytime urinary frequency
• Fine/gross motor changes (i.e. changes in handwriting)
• Joint Pain
Q: At what point do I know when to intervene and get professional help for my anxious child?
A: All children experience some anxiety. Occasional worry, apprehension, and fear, when a child is faced with a new situation is very normal. When a child’s anxiety is inhibiting them from doing everyday activities, and lasts for weeks or months at a time, causing them physical distress (i.e. headaches,nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, sleep issues) it is time for a parent to speak to a professional who can assist them.
Q: What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? (OCD)
A: OCD is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he/she tries to manage by performing a ritual activity to reduce the anxiety.
Q: How prevalent is Anxiety in children?
A: Anxiety is the number one mental health problem in America. Estimates suggest that at least 13% of children and adolescents suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Q: What are the primary symtoms of ADHD?
A: The primary symptoms are Hyperactivity, Inattention, and Impulsivity.
• Hyperactive children always seem to be in motion. These children may talk continually, fidget, squirm, and are moving and playing with whatever is around them. A hyperactive teenager or adult will feel restless and may feel the need to stay busy all the time.
• Inattentive children will get easily bored with an activity if its not something they really enjoy doing. School work, organization, remembering to bring books home, and writing down homework can all be a challenge. Inattention can cause a person to be distracted, forgetful, have difficulty staying on task, and have trouble following directions.
• Impulsive children often blurt comments out before thinking if what they are saying is appropriate. They fail to consider the consequences of their behavior. These children have difficulty taking turns, waiting in line, and calling out in the classroom.
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