Under the leadership of Dr. David Danish, a double board-certified psychiatrist with deep-rooted experience in treating PANS & PANDAS since 2007.
We are elated to introduce our newest PANS specialist, Theresa Disipio CPNP-AC. Theresa brings her profound expertise as a pediatric nurse practitioner, specializing in PANS, PANDAS, inflammation, chronic medical ailments, and functional medicine.
We are the pioneers in the tri-state region to seamlessly blend psychiatry, functional medicine, and a diverse range of therapeutic styles through a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Every case is unique, and Theresa, along with our extensive network of providers, will dedicate the requisite time with the family and child to determine the most suitable treatment options for your child.
Our care is grounded in the most current research, ensuring a solid and trustworthy treatment pathway. While we recognize there are numerous clinics nationwide offering interventions with limited or no research backing, we are committed to providing a reliable and evidence-based alternative.
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are terms used to describe a subset of children and adolescents who experience sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders. PANDAS specifically refers to cases where symptoms worsen following streptococcal infections, such as "Strep throat" or Scarlet Fever. On the other hand, PANS encompasses all cases of abrupt-onset OCD, not limited to streptococcal infections.
Intakes can be done virtually or in-person. Theresa Disipio CPNP-AC does the intakes for our PANS & PANDAS clinic. She is an extremely conscientious, thorough, and empathetic provider with years of experience working in Oncology at CHOP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Prior to the intake, you will talk to an intake coordinator who will walk you through the steps. A family member will complete a comprehensive screening packet that looks at many aspects of the family and patient’s medical, social, and symptom histories. This, along with further information garnered during the intake will be thoroughly covered before interventions such as laboratory studies, nutraceuticals, and/or medication options are discussed.
PANDAS and PANS can vary in onset speed, severity, and symptoms. Many cases often show repetitive thoughts, obsessive fears, compulsive actions, and tics. To diagnose PANDAS, several criteria need to be met. Firstly, the individual should exhibit OCD symptoms, tics, or both. Secondly, there must be evidence of a strep culture or a past instance of scarlet fever. If the symptoms have been present for more than a week, a blood test may be necessary. Lastly, there should be an abrupt onset or a significant worsening of symptoms that correlates with the onset of a strep infection.
The primary focus in treating PANDAS and PANS is to tackle the root cause: the strep infection. Often, a single antibiotic course can successfully handle the infection. However, in more intense cases, an extended treatment duration or multiple antibiotic courses might be necessary. Once the core infection is addressed, PANDAS symptoms typically recede. Still, in many cases, recovery can take time and even ebb and flow, and supplementary treatments are often employed to alleviate symptoms during this period.
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