Despite the proposal for a European Parliament resolution submitted on March 1, 2017, concerning children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS), there is still no comprehensive solution or unified approach to this issue across Europe.

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS are conditions characterized by the sudden onset of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in children, often following infections (most commonly streptococcal infections in the case of PANDAS). These conditions can result in a dramatic and rapid deterioration in a child's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Common symptoms include:

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts
Severe anxiety and separation anxiety
Sudden regression in development
Eating disturbances and food restriction
Motor and vocal tics (including repetitive sounds such as tongue clicking)
Abnormal movements (including twisting or posturing of limbs)
Emotional instability, aggression, and irritability
Sleep disturbances and nightmares
Urinary issues, including sudden onset of enuresis
Difficulties with concentration and a “dazed” or unfocused appearance

Despite the severity of these symptoms, PANS and PANDAS remain under-recognized and inconsistently diagnosed across Europe, leaving many families without proper support or access to appropriate treatment.

Worldwide, tens of thousands of children are affected by these conditions, highlighting an urgent need for coordinated action at the European level.

 
We call for the following actions:
1.Official recognition of PANS/PANDAS as medical conditions within European health systems.
2.Timely diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment for all affected children.
3.Development and implementation of a unified European treatment protocol, ensuring consistent standards of care across all Member States.
4.Increased awareness and education among healthcare professionals, educators, and parents, to enable early identification and proper management of the conditions.
 
It is long past time for meaningful action. The suffering of affected children and their families must come to an end.