A Case Study of Children's Encounters with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)

Abstract

This syndrome, often referred to as Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), is typified by the abrupt and severe onset of symptoms associated with OCD and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Finding out about the experiences of children with PANS was the main goal of this study. Nine children, ages 10 to 18, which had been diagnosed with PANS participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used in the research. Three main themes emerged from an inductive qualitative content analysis of the material under investigation. The first piece of art, "Suffering," illustrates the significant negative effects that PANS can have on a person's physical, mental, and emotional health. The second piece of art, titled "Powerlessness," emphasizes the overpowering sensation of hopelessness that results from dealing with difficult and unpredictable symptoms. Last but not least, the third piece of art, "Being encouraged," highlights the benefits of getting effective, individualized care as well as the steadfast support of committed caregivers. The results show that children with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) have considerably worse quality of life because they feel unable to control their symptoms. On the other hand, when patients receive individualized treatment plans and consistent support from their caregivers, they feel more in control of their own lives.