Pandas and Pans: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mysterious Diseases

PANDAS and PANS are rare conditions characterized by rapidly developing neuropsychiatric symptoms such as OCD and tics. To diagnose PANDAS, it is necessary to establish its relationship with group A Streptococcus infection. PANS, on the other hand, includes cases of various etiologies. Despite decades of research, many aspects of these conditions remain unclear. Aim: The aim of this paper is to review the latest research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of PANS and PANDAS. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on articles published between 1998 and 2026. Results: Research indicates that neuroinflammation in the basal ganglia is the cause of PANDAS and PANS development. Specific brain structures and autoantibodies involved in this process have been identified. Despite this, diagnosis of these syndromes remains difficult, and treatment, including antibiotic therapy, psychiatric treatment, and immunomodulatory therapy, is based on limited scientific evidence. Conclusions: Further research is necessary to expand our understanding of the causes of PANDAS and PANS and to enable more effective diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome.