If you have ever had a cleaning obsession, you may have been diagnosed with OCD. PANS OCD is one of the most common types of OCD that people experience. If your child is struggling with this disorder, don’t worry – there is help available! In this blog post, we will discuss what OCD of pans is, and we will give you some tips on how to overcome it.
Contents
What Is PANS OCD?
The PANS acronym stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. It is a condition that affects children and adolescents. A person with PANS OCD will have sudden, overwhelming anxiety that can last months or even years. In this disorder, a person will often feel compelled to perform specific compulsions such as cleaning, organizing, and repetitive behaviors. The obsessive-compulsive behaviors associated with this disorder typically involve extreme cleanliness, organizing, and checking behaviors.
Common Symptoms Of PANS OCD
There are several common symptoms of OCD of PANS that make up this disorder. These include:
- Intense Anxiety And Depression: People with PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder often experience extreme anxiety that can last for months or even years. They may also suffer from depression and have difficulty sleeping.
- Fear Of Contamination And Fear Of Being Dirty: People with PANS OCD often fear contamination or having something dirty on their bodies. They may go to extreme lengths to avoid contamination, including avoiding contact with others or objects.
- Rituals And Routines: People with this disorder often develop rituals and routines that must be followed in order for them to feel safe or relaxed. These rituals and routines can be incredibly time-consuming and difficult to break once established.
- Unrealistic Worries: People with PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder may have irrational worries, such as believing that their home is unsafe or that something bad will happen if they don’t keep it clean and organized.
- Compulsive Cleaning and Organizing: In PANS OCD, people are often compelled to clean and organize their environment obsessively. They may be very particular about how things look or even go to the extreme of sterilizing their environment.
- Checking Behaviors: People with this disorder may feel the need to check and recheck items in order to make sure everything is just right.
- Tics Or Motor Movements: People with PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder may develop motor or vocal tics as a result of their anxiety.
- Chaotic Schedule: People with PANS OCD may have a chaotic schedule due to their need to constantly clean and organize their environment.
- Urinary frequency: People with PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder may experience frequent urination, as they feel the need to remain clean and avoid contamination.
Link Between PANS And OCD
There is a clear link between PANS and OCD, as many of the same symptoms are present in both disorders. In fact, research has suggested that PANS can be a form of OCD. Here are the similarities and differences between them:
Similarities
Despite being different disorders, PANS and OCD have some similar symptoms. Both can cause extreme anxiety, compulsions to clean or organize, and rituals that need to be followed. These symptoms, along with tics and other motor or vocal movements, are common in both disorders.
Difference
The main difference between PANS and OCD is that PANS is an acute-onset disorder, while OCD is a chronic condition. With PANS, symptoms usually start very suddenly within one month and can last for months or even years. In OCD, the onset of symptoms tends to be more gradual and may last for a lifetime. These are both serious disorders and should not be taken lightly.
What Causes OCD Of PANS Or PANDAS?
There are several possible causes of PANS OCD, including genetic and environmental factors. It happens when the immune system mistakenly targets a brain section which is Basal Ganglia that controls emotions and behavior. This can lead to a sudden change in brain chemistry that causes the symptoms of PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder.
After strep infection, some people develop PANS OCD because the immune system reacts abnormally to the infection and begins attacking healthy cells in the brain. This is known as post-streptococcal autoimmune encephalitis, or PANDAS for short.
Diagnosis Of PANS OCD
If you think your child may be suffering from PANS OCD, it is important to seek help from a trained mental health professional. The diagnosis of PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder is made based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s signs and symptoms, medical history, family history, and other relevant information. They will ask for a strep throat test and if it is positive, they may prefer antibiotics to treat strep throat.
It is also important to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. This includes such as a medical condition or substance use disorder.
Does PANS OCD Go Away?
In many cases, an obsessive-compulsive disorder PANS can be effectively treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. While there is no cure for this disorder, most people who seek treatment experience relief from their symptoms.
With proper treatment and support, individuals with PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder can learn new ways to cope with their anxiety and reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from learning skills that help them better manage their environment and live a more fulfilling life.
How Do You Treat OCD In Pans?
There are several treatment methods for PANS OCD which are:
- Medication: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anti-depressants may help to reduce symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy can help people identify their triggers for OCD and learn new ways to manage their anxiety. It may also help to reduce compulsions and rituals. This targets the thought process and helps to create better mental health.
- Exposure and Response Prevention: This therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves exposing the person to their fears in a controlled environment. It helps the individual to become less fearful and to learn how to control their anxiety.
- Habit Reversal: This form of therapy is used to replace compulsive behavior with more adaptive behaviors. It teaches individuals how to recognize their triggers and develop strategies for managing them.
Conclusion
PANS OCD is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by sudden, extreme anxiety and compulsions to clean or organize, as well as rituals that need to be followed. Treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms, including medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, and habit reversal. With proper treatment and support, individuals with PANS obsessive-compulsive disorder can learn new ways to cope with their anxiety and reduce their symptoms.
For more information and guidance, please contact MantraCare. OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. If you have any queries regarding Online OCD Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
