When change is sudden,
questions matter.
Sudden fears or rituals that disrupt everyday life.
Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors
NIMHAAPEmotional changes that feel strikingly out of character.
Extreme irritability, aggression, or emotional outbursts
NIMHAAPChanges in eating, movement, or daily routines.
Sudden food restriction or major changes in eating
NIMHAAPA noticeable change at school or in familiar tasks.
Changes in handwriting or other motor skills
NIMHAAPThese signs can have other causes. They do not establish a diagnosis. NIMH
Understand the signs of PANS
TempleNearly a year of questions. Countless appointments. A family determined to understand.
Temple shares her experience in the hope that another family might feel less alone.
Read Temple’s story Temple’s personal accountA few practical notes can help you prepare for a conversation with your child’s healthcare provider.
Write down what feels different in your child’s behavior, eating, mood, or daily life.
Note when it began, how quickly it developed, and any recent illness to discuss.
Share your observations with your child’s healthcare provider and ask about the next steps.
These are conversation prompts, not a diagnostic checklist. Clinical evaluation includes a detailed history and consideration of other causes. NIMHAAP
Explore trusted resourcesStart with the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Explore the sources behind this site.
Visit the PANS resource guide“If my story can help one family find answers sooner,
it’s worth sharing.”
