Does Your Child Have Scary Behavior Disorder?

According to WebMD, strep can cause Scary Behavior Disorder in children. The interesting news was released just a few days ago. Here are the highlights to the story!

Strep Diagnosis

A seven-year-old boy was diagnosed with strep. He previously held no crazy behavior prior to the diagnosis. Nearly, overnight the child became obsessively compulsive. His bizarre conduct including the following:

• Increased paranoia
• Delusions
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Amplified fear
• Facial tics
• Weight loss leading to anorexia
• Fits of rage

For the family, this developed into a nightmare. Their once sweet little boy had turned into one they did not even recognize. Therefore, the family immediately became concerned. They wondered what this could possibly be.

Long Journey Ahead

In the beginning, the parents thought someone molested their child. And, they also questioned a brain tumor. Truly, the behavior upset the family to what seemed no end.

Many different options were medically discussed with family physicians. The family finally contacted a psychiatrist. Finally, this one life saver would change their life.

The specific psychiatrist understands Scary Behavior Disorder. The medical term for the disorder is known as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder.

PANDAS

Psychiatrists use the term PANDAS when referring to this scary behavior disorder. PANDAS relates to infections in the streptococcal family. In short, this includes strep.

Road to Recovery

The road to recovery was long for this seven-year-old boy. First, he went through long term antibiotic therapy. Second, his tonsils and adenoids were removed.  Then, the boy received immunoglobulin therapy.

Why PANDAS Occurs

Unfortunately, very little is known about the disorder. But, it is scary none the less. The child goes through devastating changes as well as the family.

The body responds in a bizarre way to the strep infection. The immune response within goes haywire. The brain tissue reacts with inflammation. Consequently, the scary behavior begins.

Unrecognized by AAP

Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recognize the disorder being related to strep. Thankfully, some psychiatrists know differently. They hold experience as it relates to the disorder.

The disorder usually occurs in children. They are usually from the ages of three to twelve. Blood tests may help to identify infection. But, there is no test to show if a child has PANDAS.

Medical Symptoms

Physicians familiar with the disease can make a diagnosis. Most of all, the child exhibits obsessive behavior or eats very little food. Consequently, at least one of the other symptoms must be present:

• Sleep disorders
• ADD symptoms
• Aggressive behavior
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sensory issues
• Motor issues (movement)
• Frequent urination

Available Resources

Do you know a child who may have PANDAS?  The PANDAS network offers valuable info.  They understand the disorder. They provide research information and provider details. Next, the network offers general resources.

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