Survey studies show increased anxiety and depressive symptoms in children with OCD during the pandemic, and observational studies report that children with preexisting anxiety disorders are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The pandemic has also negatively impacted the mental health of adults, and reports suggest obsessive-compulsive (OCD) symptoms, in particular, have worsened in both adults and children. The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly altered daily life for children and families, though the impact for those with preceding mental health difficulties has been especially profound.

As expected, these data suggest an overall negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with PANS/PANDAS and their caregivers. A majority of caregivers reported high levels of relationship dissatisfaction and caregiver burden.

Telehealth care was the preferred treatment modality if the child had mild symptoms of PANS/PANDAS. Children with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 experienced new or worsened psychiatric symptoms, particularly mood lability, OCD, and anxiety. A majority of respondents endorsed a negative impact on their child’s friendships, relationships with extended family, hobbies, and academic skills due to the pandemic. Children’s OCD symptoms and coercive behaviors towards caregivers, along with the caregivers’ mental health, relationship satisfaction, and burden, were assessed using standardized questionnaires. PANS/PANDAS symptoms during COVID-19 infections were assessed when applicable. Caregivers answered questions regarding PANS/PANDAS symptoms, telehealth care, and intention to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. We conducted an anonymous survey between February and June 2021 of 254 self-reported caregivers of minors with PANS/PANDAS. The current study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with PANS/PANDAS, a condition characterized by sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive, tic, or restrictive eating symptoms following infection.

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