S2 E13: Understanding the Role of a Psychologist in PANDAS and PANS: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah O'Dor

Untangling PANDAS & PANS: Conversations about Infection-Associated, Immune-Mediated Neuropsychiatric Disorders

In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Sarah O'Dor—Harvard instructor and Director of Research at Massachusetts General Hospital's PANDAS Clinic—reveals how strep infections and other triggers can cause sudden, dramatic psychiatric symptoms in children and young adults.
Dr. O'Dor paints a vivid picture of PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), conditions where infections trigger obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, restricted eating, and a host of other psychiatric, cognitive, emotional, somatic, and medical symptoms. Through the compelling case of "Ms. K," a six-year-old who developed severe handwashing compulsions following a strep infection, Dr. O'Dor demonstrates how these conditions often go misdiagnosed as traditional psychiatric disorders.
The conversation explores the critical role psychologists can play in recognizing these disorders and providing effective treatment. Dr. O'Dor describes how cognitive-behavioral therapy can be adapted for these patients, how families are affected by sudden behavioral changes in their children, and how psychologists can support not just the child but the entire family system. Also very importantly, she emphasizes the need for collaboration between mental health professionals and medical specialists—a multidisciplinary approach reflecting the complex nature of these disorders.
For parents, clinicians, and anyone interested in the fascinating intersection between immunology and mental health, this episode offers a roadmap to better understanding, earlier diagnosis, and more effective treatment. The discussion culminates with reflections on a growing paradigm shift in psychiatry—one that increasingly recognizes the role immune function plays in mental health.
Whether you're a healthcare provider, a parent concerned about your child's sudden behavioral changes, or simply curious about emerging understandings of brain-immune connections, this episode will transform how you think about certain psychiatric symptoms.

To read the article reference in the podcast, click here.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
Credits: Music by Kingsley Durant from his "Convertible" album
To learn more about PANDAS and PANS and The Alex Manfull Fund, visit our website: TheAlexManfullFund.org
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Chapters

1. Introduction to PANDAS and PANS (00:00:00)

2. Meet Dr. Sarah Odor (00:04:09)

3. Understanding PANDAS and PANS Definitions (00:06:20)

4. Dr. Odor's Journey into Neuroimmune Disorders (00:11:50)

5. The Psychologist's Diagnostic Approach (00:19:27)

6. Treatment Strategies for PANDAS and PANS (00:27:41)

7. Psychological Impact on Families (00:38:32)

8. Supporting Young Adults Through Transition (00:52:50)

9. The Paradigm Shift in Psychiatry (01:11:38)