PANDAS, is an abbreviation for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. The term is used to describe a subset of children who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome, and in whom symptoms worsen following strep infections such as "Strep throat" and Scarlet Fever.

PANDAS is an acronym for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections, a rare disease that usually appears in children.

PANDAS first appears in childhood from age 3 to puberty . In addition to OCD or tics, these children may have some or all of the following symptoms: • Sudden unexplainable rages (also called emotional lability) • Personality changes • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that is new or dramatically wo rse. • Anorexia (often because of a fear of choking, or fear of throwing - up) • Nervous system disorders such as tics or other rapid, jerky movements • Age inappropriate behaviors (such as bedtime fears/rituals, loss of impulse control) • Separation anxiety • D efensiveness caused from hyperactive senses (such as sensitivity to clothing, noise, light, taste, etc.) • Noticeable decreas e in handwriting or math skills • Frequent urination (especially when th e child has an active infection )