PANS & PANDAS Treatment for Children and Teens

Specialized Psychological Care for Children with PANS and PANDAS

Dr. Bastien’s Specialized PANS/PANDAS Expertise

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are conditions in which children experience a sudden and dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. These symptoms are believed to result from an abnormal immune response that affects brain functioning, often following an infection or other inflammatory trigger.

Children with PANS or PANDAS may experience:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Motor and vocal tics

  • Severe anxiety

  • Restrictive eating or sudden food refusal

  • Emotional lability or irritability

  • Behavioral regression

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Changes in sleep, appetite, handwriting, or school performance

Although medical treatment addresses the underlying biological factors, psychological treatment plays a critical role in helping children regain functioning, reduce symptoms, and return to everyday life.

Specialized Training and Experience

Dr. Diana Bastien has specialized training and experience in the psychological treatment of children with PANS and PANDAS.

She completed advanced clinical training in a multidisciplinary PANS/PANDAS specialty clinic under the mentorship of one of the field's leading pioneers. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Bastien has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on PANS/PANDAS and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Northwest PANS/PANDAS Network (NWPPN), supporting education, advocacy, and improved access to care for affected families.

This combination of specialized clinical training, research involvement, and leadership within the PANS/PANDAS community informs an evidence-based approach tailored to the unique challenges these children and families face.

How Dr. Bastien Treats PANS and PANDAS

Comprehensive Evaluation

Treatment begins with a comprehensive psychological evaluation to understand your child's symptoms, current level of functioning, medical history, and the ways PANS or PANDAS is affecting daily life. This evaluation helps guide an individualized treatment plan that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps children better understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms while developing practical strategies for managing anxiety and emotional distress.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Many children with PANS/PANDAS develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD and is carefully adapted to meet each child's current medical and emotional needs.

Treatment focuses on helping children gradually face feared situations while reducing compulsions, reassurance seeking, and avoidance.

Parent Support

Parents are essential partners in treatment. Parent sessions focus on helping families understand symptoms, reduce accommodation of OCD and anxiety, respond consistently to challenging behaviors, and support their child's gradual return to typical routines.

Emotional and Functional Recovery

Treatment also focuses on helping children:

  • Return to school and daily routines

  • Rebuild confidence following symptom flare-ups

  • Manage anxiety and emotional distress

  • Improve independence and resilience

  • Re-engage in friendships, hobbies, and family life

Collaboration with Medical Providers

Because PANS and PANDAS involve both medical and psychological factors, coordinated care is essential. When appropriate, Dr. Bastien collaborates closely with pediatricians, child psychiatrists, neurologists, immunologists, and other members of your child's treatment team to ensure comprehensive, integrated care.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Children with PANS and PANDAS often experience significant disruption in daily functioning during symptom flare-ups. Early psychological intervention can reduce distress, improve coping, support family functioning, and help children return more quickly to school, social activities, and everyday routines while medical treatment addresses the underlying condition.

Request an Appointment

If your child has experienced the sudden onset of OCD, anxiety, tics, restrictive eating, or other significant behavioral changes consistent with PANS or PANDAS, early evaluation and treatment can make a meaningful difference.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive psychological evaluation to better understand your child's symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan based on their unique needs.

Request an appointment today to learn how specialized, evidence-based psychological care can support your child's recovery.