24/05/2026
Common treatments for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) focus on eliminating underlying infections, calming immune system dysfunction, and managing psychiatric symptoms, often requiring a multi-pronged approach. Current research indicates that other bacterial, viral or environmental irritants can also cause or exacerbate persistent symptoms.
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the underlying Streptococcal infection. Long-term prophylactic antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent recurrence.
Steroid Bursts: A short course of oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) can help reduce brain inflammation.
Because PANDAS/PANS is considered a rare disease and symptoms can often overlap with autoimmune encephalitis (AE), there is currently limited research available and often patients are met with resistance because the treatment is understudied and sometimes considered “off-label".
Treatment for PANDAS addresses different aspects of the disease or its symptoms. Some treatments, like antibiotics, can help control or reduce symptoms of PANDAS (including OCD, anxiety, depression and tics). Other treatments, like IVIG therapy, address the underlying infection and autoimmune reaction that causes PANDAS. There are also non-invasive options like over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs that help control the inflammation caused by the autoimmune response.
The aim is to reduce symptoms, but also settle flare-ups so they become less common. Naturopathy can assist in that area, whereby we work with clients to treat underlying gut symptoms, improve immunity and fill nutritional gaps.
