What are the treatment options for children with PANDAS?
A. The treatments for children with PANDAS are the same as if they had other types of OCD or tic disorders. Children with OCD, regardless of whether or not their illness is strep. triggered, benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy and/or anti-obsessional medications. A recent study showed that the combination of an SSRI medication (such as fluoxetine) and cognitive behavioral therapy was the best treatment for OCD, and that medication alone or cognitive behavioral therapy alone were better than no treatment, or use of a placebo (sugar pill). It often takes time for these treatments to work, so the sooner therapy is started, the better it is for the child. Children with strep. triggered tics should be helped by the same tic medications that doctors use to treat other tic disorders. Your childs primary physician can help you decide which type of specialist your child may need to see to receive these treatments.
