The COVID-19 pandemic and children with PANS/PANDAS: an evaluation of symptom severity, telehealth, and vaccination hesitancy.

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Title: The COVID-19 pandemic and children with PANS/PANDAS: an evaluation of symptom severity, telehealth, and vaccination hesitancy.
Authors: O'Dor, Sarah L (AUTHOR), Zagaroli, JS (AUTHOR), Belisle, RM (AUTHOR), Hamel, MA (AUTHOR), Downer, OM (AUTHOR), Homayoun, S (AUTHOR), Williams, KA (AUTHOR)
Source: Child Psychiatry & Human Development. Apr2024, Vol. 55 Issue 2, p327-335. 9p.
Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic, Pandas, Burden of care, Vaccination of children, COVID-19, Body dysmorphic disorder, Body image
Abstract: The current study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with PANS/PANDAS, a condition characterized by sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive, tic, or restrictive eating symptoms following infection. We conducted an anonymous survey between February and June 2021 of 254 self-reported caregivers of minors with PANS/PANDAS. Caregivers answered questions regarding PANS/PANDAS symptoms, telehealth care, and intention to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. PANS/PANDAS symptoms during COVID-19 infections were assessed when applicable. Children's OCD symptoms and coercive behaviors towards caregivers, along with the caregivers' mental health, relationship satisfaction, and burden, were assessed using standardized questionnaires. A majority of respondents endorsed a negative impact on their child's friendships, relationships with extended family, hobbies, and academic skills due to the pandemic. Children with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 experienced new or worsened psychiatric symptoms, particularly mood lability, OCD, and anxiety. Telehealth care was the preferred treatment modality if the child had mild symptoms of PANS/PANDAS. A majority of caregivers reported high levels of relationship dissatisfaction and caregiver burden. As expected, these data suggest an overall negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with PANS/PANDAS and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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Abstract:The current study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with PANS/PANDAS, a condition characterized by sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive, tic, or restrictive eating symptoms following infection. We conducted an anonymous survey between February and June 2021 of 254 self-reported caregivers of minors with PANS/PANDAS. Caregivers answered questions regarding PANS/PANDAS symptoms, telehealth care, and intention to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. PANS/PANDAS symptoms during COVID-19 infections were assessed when applicable. Children's OCD symptoms and coercive behaviors towards caregivers, along with the caregivers' mental health, relationship satisfaction, and burden, were assessed using standardized questionnaires. A majority of respondents endorsed a negative impact on their child's friendships, relationships with extended family, hobbies, and academic skills due to the pandemic. Children with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 experienced new or worsened psychiatric symptoms, particularly mood lability, OCD, and anxiety. Telehealth care was the preferred treatment modality if the child had mild symptoms of PANS/PANDAS. A majority of caregivers reported high levels of relationship dissatisfaction and caregiver burden. As expected, these data suggest an overall negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with PANS/PANDAS and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0009398X
DOI:10.1007/s10578-022-01401-z