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

Untangling PANDAS & PANS: Conversations about Infection-Associated, Immune-Mediated Neuropsychiatric Disorders
S2 E13: Understanding the Role of a Psychologist in PANDAS and PANS: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah O'Dor
Apr 27, 2025 Season 2 Episode 13
Susan Newman Manfull, PhD

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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Episode Artwork S2 E13: Understanding the Role of a Psychologist in PANDAS and PANS: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah O'Dor 1:15:03 Episode Artwork S2 E12: The Neuropathology of PANDAS/PANS: Dr. Brent Harris Talks about the POND Brain Bank 1:16:43 Episode Artwork S2 E11: Physician-Scientist Herb Lachman, MD, Talks about Recent Genetic Observations in PANS: DNA Damage Response Genes 1:13:42 Episode Artwork S2 E10: Dr. Juliette Madan Explains the Importance of Epidemiological Research on PANDAS & PANS 46:49 Episode Artwork S1 E9: Dr. Warris Bokhari Vows to Make Healthcare Equitable One Unjust Insurance Denial at a Time 1:17:13 Episode Artwork S1 E8: Dr. Pawel Kiela Discusses the Gut Microbiome, Microglia, and PANDAS 1:19:01 Episode Artwork S1 E7: Dr. Tim Ubhi Talks about Treating PANDAS/PANS in the UK at his new London PANS Clinic 1:25:58 Episode Artwork S1 E6: The Story Behind AB2105, California's Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for PANDAS/PANS Treatment 50:49 Episode Artwork S1 E5: Earl Harley, MD Talks About How Otolaryngologists Can Assist in the Treatment of PANDAS 44:53 Episode Artwork S1 E4: Beth Latimer, MD Discusses How the Understanding of PANDAS has Progressed: It is Not Solely a Pediatric Disorder 1:06:31 Episode Artwork S1 E3 Part 1: Dr. Shannon Delaney Talks About What Do Tick-Borne Diseases Have to Do with PANS? 56:36 Episode Artwork S1 E3 Part 2: Dr. Shannon Delaney Talks About What Do Tick-Borne Diseases Have to Do with PANS? 29:33 Episode Artwork S1 E3 Part 3: Dr. Shannon Delaney Talks About What Do Tick-Borne Diseases Have to Do with PANS? 13:22 Episode Artwork S1 E2: The Intersection of Strep, Intractable OCD, Psoriasis, and IL-17: A Conversation with Kyle Williams, MD, PhD and Andrew 1:06:04 Episode Artwork S1 E2 Bonus: The Intersection of Strep, Intractable OCD, Psoriasis, and IL-17: Continued conversation with Kyle Williams, MD, PhD and Andrew 15:54 Episode Artwork S1 E1: Lauren Breithaupt, PhD, Talks About The Immunological Basis of Eating Disorders and PANDAS/PANS 50:15 Episode Artwork S1 E1 Bonus: PANDAS/PANS Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill - Join us on April 12, 2024 42:32