Evidence over Influence: Position Statement

Our Statement

LAST UPDATED 25/09/2025

We understand that families and professionals may encounter a wide range of perspectives and experiences shared online and through informal networks and influencers. While these can be valuable, some information may not reflect current clinical evidence or best practice. 

At PANS PANDAS UK, we are committed to providing clear, accurate, and evidence-based resources developed in collaboration with qualified professionals. Our aim is to support safe, effective, and equitable care for all. 

We recognise that many families affected by PANS or PANDAS face significant challenges in accessing appropriate medical care and support. This can leave them feeling isolated and vulnerable, and understandably seeking answers wherever they can find them. In this context, it is especially important to ensure that the information being relied upon is trustworthy and grounded in clinical expertise. 

We encourage families, educators, and healthcare providers to refer to trusted sources such as our website when seeking information or making decisions and urge caution when engaging with content shared via informal social media networks.  

If you are unsure about something you have read or heard, please reach out to us or a qualified professional for guidance. 

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Glossary

  • ADHD
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • AE
    Auto-immune Encephalitis
  • ARFID
    Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
  • ASD
    Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • CAMHS
    Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
  • CBT
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Dysgraphia
    difficulty writing by hand
  • EHCP
    Education, Health and Care Plan
  • Emotional Lability
    Rapid, and dramatic changes in mood (for example uncontrollable laughter to crying)
  • Enuresis
    wetting
  • GAS
    Group A Streptococcal infection
  • NHSE
    NHS England
  • NICE
    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
  • OCD
    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • PP
    PANS PANDAS
  • PPUK
    PANS PANDAS UK
  • PPN
    PANS Physicians Network
  • PPSG
    PANS PANDAS Steering Group
  • SENCo
    Special Educational Needs Coordinator
  • SIGN
    Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network to the glossary
  • Tic
    Sudden repetitive movement (motor tic) or sound (vocal tic) which is difficult or impossible to control