PANS and PANDAS Syndrome Support Services

(Autoimmune OCD)

Support at Level Up Wellness Group In Ontario, Alberta and Yukon

We provide expert assessment and treatment for sudden-onset OCD, tics, and behavioral changes in children and youth.

Specialized psychiatric care for PANS and PANDAS

In-person and virtual consultations available

What Are PANS & PANDAS?

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (a subtype related to streptococcal infections) are conditions that cause sudden behavioral and emotional changes in children. Common signs may include sudden OCD, anxiety, tics, irritability, or learning challenges.

Sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Motor or vocal tics
Anxiety, panic attacks, or rage episodes
Difficulty focusing or rapid academic decline
Regression in skills (handwriting, math, social behavior)
Sleep disturbances or food restrictions

Understanding PANDAS/PANS

PANDAS and PANS are conditions characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or severe eating restrictions, alongside a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, tics, personality changes, and academic decline. These conditions are often triggered by infections, with PANDAS specifically linked to streptococcal infections.

Diagnosis can be missed if relying only on strep titers.
Strep is not the only trigger; other infections may cause symptoms.
Many children see 5–15 doctors before an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms may overlap with ADHD and other disorders.
Treatment requires addressing the 3 I’s: infection, inflammation, immunity.

Our Clinical Perspective

At Level Up Wellness Group, Dr. Melody (Psychologist) and Allie, (our Nurse Practitioner licensed in both Alberta and Ontario), work together to support families in exploring a possible PANDAS/PANS diagnosis.

Dr. Melody conducts a comprehensive clinical interview to assess symptoms in depth. When appropriate, she refers clients to Allie, who addresses the medical aspects of treatment. Following PANDAS/PANS diagnostic protocols, Allie uses a three-pronged approach—targeting inflammation, immunity, and infection—to provide thorough, needs-based care.

What is “Molecular Mimicry”

Molecular mimicry is a phenomenon where a foreign pathogen’s molecules share structural or functional similarities with the host’s molecules, leading to an immune response that mistakenly targets the host’s tissues. This process can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, mistaking them for foreign invaders. Molecular mimicry is thought to play a role in this process because the immune system may recognize the similar structures of the pathogen and the host’s own cells as the same, leading to an unintended immune attack on the body’s tissues.

This concept is important in understanding how certain infections can trigger autoimmune responses and why some individuals may develop autoimmune diseases following exposure to specific pathogens.

Our Approach

At Level Up Wellness Group, we understand the profound impact that PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) can have on children and their families. Our dedicated PANDAS/PANS team, comprised of experienced medical professionals including a specialized nurse practitioner, is here to provide comprehensive support for the diagnosis and treatment of these complex conditions. We also understand and believe that neuropsychiatric conditions can be secondary to autoimmune infections

Strep or other infections, such as Mycoplasma pneumonia, bartonella, lyme, influenza, upper respiratory infections, or sinusitis, may trigger neurobehavioral changes and psychological distress.

PANS/PANDAS is treatable through a comprehensive three-pronged approach that targets the underlying infections, addresses immune system dysfunction, and manages the symptoms.

How We Diagnose & Treat

How We Help: Our Diagnostic & Treatment Approach
 At LUWG, we take a comprehensive, family-centered approach to diagnosing and treating PANS and PANDAS. Our services may include:

Medical history review and symptom tracking
Bloodwork and referrals (if needed) to rule out infection triggers
Psychiatric evaluations and neurodevelopmental assessments
Customized treatment plans: therapy, medications, lifestyle support
Coordination with pediatricians and other health providers

Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes.

Holistic Evaluation and Diagnosis:

We follow current diagnostic guidelines for accurate identification of PANS/PANDAS.

Comprehensive Treatment Plans:

Plans may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and supportive therapy.

Multidisciplinary Support:

We collaborate with psychologists, dietitians, and therapists to care for the whole child.

Treatment & Support Options at LUWG

In-Person Visits

Meet with our Calgary-based child psychiatrists

Virtual Consultations

Accessible care from the comfort of your home

Recent Research Insights

Staying abreast of the latest research is crucial to providing the best care. Recent studies highlight the importance of timely intervention and the potential benefits of combining medical treatments with behavioral therapies. Key findings from the past two years include:

Immune Modulation Therapies: Recent research supports the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasmapheresis in managing severe cases of PANDAS/PANS, showing significant improvements in neuropsychiatric symptoms (Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2022). This option is not available at our clinic.
Antibiotic Efficacy: Studies continue to validate the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating streptococcal infections associated with PANDAS, reducing symptom severity and recurrence (Pediatric Neurology, 2023).
Behavioral Interventions: Combining cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with medical treatments has shown promising results in managing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety in PANDAS/PANS patients (Clinical Pediatrics, 2023).

Why Choose Level Up Wellness Group?

Expert Team: Our medical team, led by a knowledgeable nurse practitioner, is experienced in handling PANDAS/PANS cases with empathy and precision.
Personalized Care: We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring they receive the most effective treatment.
Integrated Services: From medical management to psychological support, our multidisciplinary team works together to provide holistic care.

If you suspect you or your child may be experiencing symptoms of PANDAS or PANS, don’t wait. Contact Level Up Wellness Group today to schedule a consultation and start the journey towards recovery and wellness.

Why Families Choose LUWG for PANS & PANDAS Support

Latest Articles About Pandas/Pans

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PANS/PANDAS: Why Early Diagnosis is Crucial for Effective Treatment

Sudden changes in mood, movement, or behavior can sometimes signal more than emotional distress. Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are autoimmune conditions that can appear in children, teens, and even adults. Early diagnosis is key, prompt treatment not only improves recovery but also prevents long-term complications and relapse.

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The stages of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) begin with a sudden onset of severe symptoms, followed by an escalation phase where new symptoms emerge. If left untreated, it can enter a chronic phase. With a correct diagnosis, the intervention and healing phase begins, leading to recovery, though relapse is possible.

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When a child has a diagnosis of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) or Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric