PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. A child may be diagnosed with PANDAS when:
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders affect over 500,000 children in the U.S. alone. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website contains information about OCD and related disorders, treatment, research, and other resources that can help. Read more ›
What does it feel like to have a child with mental illness?
“When our daughter was diagnosed with OCD and clinical depression at age 12, we discussed treatment options with the psychiatrist. At first, we were wary of medication, as most parents are. “If your child had type 1 diabetes, wouldn’t you give her insulin?” the doctor asked. “This is a disease—in fact it’s a life threatening disease. Medication is required. And so is regular therapy.”
And that was the beginning of our journey to understanding that our daughter has an illness, it needs to be treated, and she requires ongoing special care.” Read more ›
