熊猫：一种自身免疫形式的童年强迫症

虽然we usually think of our immune system as protecting us from outside invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other germs, it can get confused and attack our own body. When this happens we are said to suffer from an autoimmune disorder.

您可能已经意识到了许多自身免疫性疾病，如类风湿性关节炎，1型糖尿病，狼疮和多发性硬化症。虽然强迫症（OCD）通常被认为是由压力，遗传易感性的组合引起的，并且血毒素等神经化学的破坏，存在一种特定形式的证据童年强迫may actually be an autoimmune disorder.

熊猫与链球菌感染相关

The Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections or “PANDAS” form of OCD is thought to be triggered by an infection of the same bacteria that causes strep throat and scarlet fever. As the child’s immune system fights the strep infection, it becomes confused and starts to attack an area of the brain called the basal ganglia.

虽然许多大脑区域的变化是强调的症状，但基础神经节的异常已经与之有关OCD的症状。

Of course, strep throat is a common infection and not all children who develop this infection will develop the PANDAS form of OCD.

熊猫形式的OCD是如何诊断出来的？

About 25% of children with OCD have the PANDAS subtype. The PANDAS form of OCD has a few key symptoms that let doctors distinguish it from more typical forms of childhood OCD. For example:

• 鉴于常规OCD的症状发展缓慢，熊猫形式的OCD的发作是迅速的。
• The PANDAS form of OCD occurs in close association with a strep infection. However, regular OCD can occur at any time. Confirmation of a strep infection is usually done using a throat culture and/or blood test for strep antibodies.
• 与普通OCD不同，熊猫的儿童形式的OCD通常具有手臂，腿和面部的非自愿运动。
• The PANDAS form of OCD usually develops between the ages of 3 and before puberty.

熊猫形式的其他症状包括：

• Irritability, temper tantrums, and problems with mood.
• 睡前的严重噩梦和新仪式。
• Increased anxiety.
• 新的电机或数学技能或其他感官问题的新问题。

Pandas OCD如何治疗？

虽然通常是常规的OCD对待with medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or cognitive behavioral therapy, the PANDAS form of OCD can require different treatment.

If the PANAS form of OCD is suspected, the first line of treatment is a round of antibiotics to knock out the strep infection. Sometimes more invasive procedures such as a plasma exchange are necessary to remove harmful antibodies from the bloodstream. Plasma exchange usually involves going to the hospital.

虽然大多数儿童将在抗生素治疗后恢复，但有时可以留下OCD的症状。这些残留的症状可能是常规OCD如药物或心理治疗的标准治疗有效治疗。

Can Adults Develop PANDAS OCD?

虽然there is evidence that changes in the immune system sometimes accompany mental illnesses likedepression和精神分裂症，没有确凿的证据表明免疫系统问题与成人形式的OCD的发展有关。

到目前为止，它似乎只能触发3岁和青春期之间的儿童的OCD的症状。