PANDAS

<p>a term used to describe a subset of children whose symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or tic disorders are exacerbated by group A streptococcal (GAS) infection

The diagnostic criteria for PANDAS, which are discussed in greater detail below, include the following:</p>

<ul>

<li>Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorder (Tourette disorder, chronic motor or vocal tic disorder)</li>

<li>Pediatric onset (between three years and onset of puberty)</li>

<li>Abrupt onset and episodic course of symptoms</li>

<li>Temporal relation between group A streptococcal (GAS) infection and onset and/or exacerbation</li>

<li>Neurologic abnormalities, such as motoric hyperactivity, choreiform movements, or tics during exacerbations

</li>

</ul>

<p>Whether PANDAS is a distinct form of more typical cases of OCD or tic disorder remains controversial. </p>