In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Susan Swedo to reflect on the history, science, and ongoing controversy surrounding PANS and PANDAS. We also dive into diagnosis and treatment, and why clinical understanding, not outdated titers, should guide care.
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In this foundational episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I speak with renowned pediatrician and researcher Dr. Susan Swedo, the scientist behind the original discovery of PANDAS. She emphasizes that PANS/PANDAS is a clinical diagnosis, marked by the abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and warns against over-reliance on strep titers and viral panels, which can mislead both parents and practitioners. Instead, she advocates for recognizing the immune-triggered neuroinflammation driving the symptoms and calls for more nuanced, science-based diagnostic protocols.
The conversation also addresses the current controversy surrounding the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2024 position, which Dr. Swedo critiques for ignoring decades of research and positive patient outcomes. With personal stories, clinical advice, and scientific clarity, she explains the importance of early recognition, comprehensive treatment, and strong support for families. This episode is a powerful reminder that hope and healing are possible, even when the medical establishment lags behind the evidence.
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Dr. Susan Swedo is a pioneering figure in the field of pediatric neuropsychiatry and the groundbreaking researcher behind the discovery of PANDAS.
A former Chief of the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Swedo has dedicated her career to uncovering the biological underpinnings of childhood-onset neuropsychiatric conditions. Her trailblazing work has redefined how the medical community understands the link between infections, the immune system, and sudden changes in a child’s behavior.
With decades of clinical research and published studies to her name, Dr. Swedo’s contributions have shaped treatment protocols and sparked a global movement among parents, clinicians, and researchers advocating for better recognition and care of children affected by PANS and PANDAS.
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