As we continue our deep dive into the world of Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, or PANDAS, it’s time to shed light on some of the less discussed, yet profound symptoms – emotional lability, increased clinginess, and a noticeable decrease in maturity level.
Emotional lability, in the context of PANDAS, refers to sudden, often dramatic emotional swings. Your child might appear perfectly content one moment, only to plunge into a fit of rage or a bout of intense sadness in the next, without any apparent trigger.
Parents may also note a heightened level of clinginess in their children. This isn’t your typical ‘not wanting to go to school’ scenario but a deep-seated fear of separation that might leave them inconsolable. They might become excessively attached to a parent, refuse to sleep alone, or become anxious at the mere thought of being apart from their primary caregiver.
Perhaps one of the most unsettling symptoms of PANDAS is a marked decrease in maturity level. It’s as though the child regresses, losing skills they previously mastered. A child who was once independent might suddenly start acting much younger, showing babyish behaviors or resorting to talking in a baby voice. They may struggle with tasks they previously managed with ease, such as dressing themselves or using utensils.
As parents, witnessing these dramatic shifts in your child’s emotions and behaviors can be distressing. Remember, these symptoms, although perplexing and overwhelming, are not a reflection of your child’s character but an indication of the neurological inflammation brought on by PANDAS.
As always, if you notice these changes in your child, please consult with a medical professional. It’s crucial to understand these symptoms and how they relate to PANDAS, but they should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
Our journey of understanding PANDAS is far from over. The complexity of this condition requires that we continue our exploration. Our goal remains clear – to shed light on these changes so we can empower children and their families in their fight against PANDAS.