Is PANDAS a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a frequency of 0.2%-5% in clinical population of children and adolescents. Although it shares characteristics, such as severity and response rate to treatment, with the adult disorder, the etiology and physiopathology of pediatric OCD has not been completely u nderstood. The word PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) includes disorders such as OCD and Tourette syndrome produced after an streptococcal infection. The main characteristi c of PANDAS is the abrupt onset or exacerbation of symptoms, and their remi ssion after the infection is controlled. Comorbid symptoms (anxiety, hypera ctivity and conduct disorders) are frequently observed and disappear with t he OCD symptoms. The evaluation of these patients requires to determine if other psychiatric symptoms are present, as well as a complete physical examination Antibodie s (antistreptococcal and D8/17) are useful for the diagnosis. PANDAS patien ts show little response to the traditional management of OCD; however, immu notherapies emerge as a good choice for treatment.