What we treat

PANS & PANDAS

Medication Management: What to Expect

Welcome to our medication management service, an essential part of our commitment to ensuring the best possible care for our patients. Here’s a guide to what you can anticipate:

Under the leadership of Dr. David Danish, a double board-certified psychiatrist with deep-rooted experience in treating PANS & PANDAS since 2007. 

We are elated to introduce our newest PANS specialist, Theresa Disipio CPNP-AC. Theresa brings her profound expertise as a pediatric nurse practitioner, specializing in PANS, PANDAS, inflammation, chronic medical ailments, and functional medicine.

At Mind Align Psychiatry, We Treat PANS & PANDAS Differently

We are the pioneers in the tri-state region to seamlessly blend psychiatry, functional medicine, and a diverse range of therapeutic styles through a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Every case is unique, and Theresa, along with our extensive network of providers, will dedicate the requisite time with the family and child to determine the most suitable treatment options for your child.

Our care is grounded in the most current research, ensuring a solid and trustworthy treatment pathway. While we recognize there are numerous clinics nationwide offering interventions with limited or no research backing, we are committed to providing a reliable and evidence-based alternative.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are PANS and PANDAS?

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are terms used to describe a subset of children and adolescents who experience sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders. PANDAS specifically refers to cases where symptoms worsen following streptococcal infections, such as "Strep throat" or Scarlet Fever. On the other hand, PANS encompasses all cases of abrupt-onset OCD, not limited to streptococcal infections.

What does an intake appointment for PANS vs PANDAS look like?

Intakes can be done virtually or in-person. Theresa Disipio CPNP-AC does the intakes for our PANS & PANDAS clinic. She is an extremely conscientious, thorough, and empathetic provider with years of experience working in Oncology at CHOP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Prior to the intake, you will talk to an intake coordinator who will walk you through the steps. A family member will complete a comprehensive screening packet that looks at many aspects of the family and patient’s medical, social, and symptom histories. This, along with further information garnered during the intake will be thoroughly covered before interventions such as laboratory studies, nutraceuticals, and/or medication options are discussed.

What does PANDAS look like?

PANDAS and PANS can vary in onset speed, severity, and symptoms. Many cases often show repetitive thoughts, obsessive fears, compulsive actions, and tics. To diagnose PANDAS, several criteria need to be met. Firstly, the individual should exhibit OCD symptoms, tics, or both. Secondly, there must be evidence of a strep culture or a past instance of scarlet fever. If the symptoms have been present for more than a week, a blood test may be necessary. Lastly, there should be an abrupt onset or a significant worsening of symptoms that correlates with the onset of a strep infection.

How do we treat PANDAS?

The primary focus in treating PANDAS and PANS is to tackle the root cause: the strep infection. Often, a single antibiotic course can successfully handle the infection. However, in more intense cases, an extended treatment duration or multiple antibiotic courses might be necessary. Once the core infection is addressed, PANDAS symptoms typically recede. Still, in many cases, recovery can take time and even ebb and flow, and supplementary treatments are often employed to alleviate symptoms during this period.

PANS & PANDAS Providers


Under the leadership of Dr. David Danish, a double board-certified psychiatrist with deep-rooted experience in treating PANS & PANDAS since 2007. 

We are elated to introduce our newest PANS specialist, Theresa Disipio CPNP-AC. Theresa brings her profound expertise as a pediatric nurse practitioner, specializing in PANS, PANDAS, inflammation, chronic medical ailments, and functional medicine.

At Mind Align Psychiatry, We Treat PANS & PANDAS Differently

We are the pioneers in the tri-state region to seamlessly blend psychiatry, functional medicine, and a diverse range of therapeutic styles through a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Every case is unique, and Theresa, along with our extensive network of providers, will dedicate the requisite time with the family and child to determine the most suitable treatment options for your child.

Our care is grounded in the most current research, ensuring a solid and trustworthy treatment pathway. While we recognize there are numerous clinics nationwide offering interventions with limited or no research backing, we are committed to providing a reliable and evidence-based alternative.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are PANS and PANDAS?

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are terms used to describe a subset of children and adolescents who experience sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders. PANDAS specifically refers to cases where symptoms worsen following streptococcal infections, such as "Strep throat" or Scarlet Fever. On the other hand, PANS encompasses all cases of abrupt-onset OCD, not limited to streptococcal infections.

What does an intake appointment for PANS vs PANDAS look like?

Intakes can be done virtually or in-person. Theresa Disipio CPNP-AC does the intakes for our PANS & PANDAS clinic. She is an extremely conscientious, thorough, and empathetic provider with years of experience working in Oncology at CHOP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Prior to the intake, you will talk to an intake coordinator who will walk you through the steps. A family member will complete a comprehensive screening packet that looks at many aspects of the family and patient’s medical, social, and symptom histories. This, along with further information garnered during the intake will be thoroughly covered before interventions such as laboratory studies, nutraceuticals, and/or medication options are discussed.

What does PANDAS look like?

PANDAS and PANS can vary in onset speed, severity, and symptoms. Many cases often show repetitive thoughts, obsessive fears, compulsive actions, and tics. To diagnose PANDAS, several criteria need to be met. Firstly, the individual should exhibit OCD symptoms, tics, or both. Secondly, there must be evidence of a strep culture or a past instance of scarlet fever. If the symptoms have been present for more than a week, a blood test may be necessary. Lastly, there should be an abrupt onset or a significant worsening of symptoms that correlates with the onset of a strep infection.

How do we treat PANDAS?

The primary focus in treating PANDAS and PANS is to tackle the root cause: the strep infection. Often, a single antibiotic course can successfully handle the infection. However, in more intense cases, an extended treatment duration or multiple antibiotic courses might be necessary. Once the core infection is addressed, PANDAS symptoms typically recede. Still, in many cases, recovery can take time and even ebb and flow, and supplementary treatments are often employed to alleviate symptoms during this period.

PANS & PANDAS Providers


Your monthly subscription ensures continuous, seamless care. Our goal is to make medication management efficient, educative, and empowering, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
PANS & PANDAS
specialists
Dr. David Danish, MD
Dr. David Danish, MD
Psychiatrist
Learn more
Arrow
Dr. Jagruti Amin MD
Dr. Jagruti Amin MD
Psychiatrist
Learn more
Arrow
Dr. Benjamin Medrano, MD
Dr. Benjamin Medrano, MD
Psychiatrist
Learn more
Arrow
Joseph Gagnon Jr CRNP
Joseph Gagnon Jr CRNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Learn more
Arrow
Kellie Booth, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Kellie Booth, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Learn more
Arrow
John Guardiani, MA, LPC
John Guardiani, MA, LPC
Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Kristen Ott, MA, LMFT
Kristen Ott, MA, LMFT
Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Chris Smith, BCBA, LBS
Chris Smith, BCBA, LBS
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Marni Mackey, RDN, LDN
Marni Mackey, RDN, LDN
Dietitian
Learn more
Arrow
Mark Agnew MS
Mark Agnew MS
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Dominic D'Angelo MS, LPC
Dominic D'Angelo MS, LPC
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Alexa Gavrilov, LCSW
Alexa Gavrilov, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Tracy Sciulli, MS, Doctoral Candidate,LPC, RYT-200
Tracy Sciulli, MS, Doctoral Candidate,LPC, RYT-200
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Dr. Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D
Dr. Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D
Psychologist
Learn more
Arrow
Theresa DiSipio, CPNP-AC
Theresa DiSipio, CPNP-AC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Learn more
Arrow
David R. Feeney, MA, Ed.D., LBS
David R. Feeney, MA, Ed.D., LBS
Behavior Technician
Learn more
Arrow
Justin Bwint, MA, BCB
Justin Bwint, MA, BCB
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Alex Brogan, LCSW
Alex Brogan, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Kianna Morgan, MSW, LSW
Kianna Morgan, MSW, LSW
Licensed Therapist
Learn more
Arrow
Justin Vespasiani
Justin Vespasiani
Behavior Technician
Learn more
Arrow
Rebecca Lichtenstein
Rebecca Lichtenstein
Behavior Technician
Learn more
Arrow
Kevin Keane CRNP, PMHNP
Kevin Keane CRNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Learn more
Arrow

More articles

Browse Articles
Browse Articles

More articles

Browse Articles
Browse Articles

Questions? We’re here to help

Cross

Contact Us

Leave your contact information and we'll get back to you!

Thank you!

One of our staff will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.