Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast

These moms turned heartbreak into hope—and created a movement that’s changing lives. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Jennifer Vitelli and Cathy Witkos join us to share how the Look. Foundation is tackling PANS/PANDAS through the three pillars of support, education, and awareness. From over $400,000 in healing grants to nationwide school outreach, we outline practical ways families can find help, community, and hope.-----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we sit down with the co-founders of the Look. Foundation, Jennifer Vitelli and Cathy Witkos to trace their journeys from isolated parents to movement-builders. They outline their foundation’s three pillars—support, education, and awareness—and share what that looks like on the ground: over $400,000 in healing grants, regular group calls that connect families across the country, and practical resources that shorten the learning curve and end isolation.We also address common misconceptions and emphasize early detection: when kids experience abrupt behavioral changes, families and clinicians should look for medical triggers and document symptoms, while partnering with schools to connect the dots. The conversation highlights bold awareness campaigns and a long-term strategy to make access equitable, expand grants, and build a national infrastructure so no child with PANS/PANDAS is overlooked or left behind.-----Jennifer Vitelli serves as the executive director of the Look. Foundation, where she helps children and young adults affected by infection-triggered neuroinflammatory disorders like PANS/PANDAS. She has co-led and co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Legislation, achieving key legislative wins. Jennifer was also a founding board member of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association.Cathy Witkos is the president of the Look. Foundation and has been a leading advocate in the PANS/PANDAS community. She is a mother of three (one child healing from PANS/PANDAS) and has helped build support networks and awareness from the ground up. Cathy was a founding board member of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association and has spearheaded efforts in community education, school and nurse outreach, public awareness, and financial grant support for families facing this often misunderstood illness.-----Website: https://www.lookfoundation.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookFoundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/look.foundation/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/look-foundation-inc/-----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could something as simple as your child’s breathing be affecting their behavior? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Drs. Lynda and Krystle Dean-Duru join us to explain how our breathing patterns shape sleep, immunity, and behavior in our children. We also delve into various aspects, such as birth factors, breastfeeding, nasal hygiene, and chewing, all aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting healing.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we explore the tight link between airway health, craniofacial development, and systemic inflammation in children. Drs. Lynda and Krystle Dean-Duru join us to trace patterns from birth to early feeding, showing how breastfeeding and chewing help the jaws widen, the palate lower, and the nose open for efficient nasal breathing. They emphasize that mouth breathing bypasses filtration and nitric oxide, strains the brain and body, and reinforces sympathetic overdrive that impairs sleep and healing.They also outline a practical integrative toolkit that includes nasal hygiene to support lip seal as well as whole foods and posture for growth. Their message is hopeful: start as early as infancy when possible, but it’s never too late to improve airway, sleep, and overall health.----Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru and Dr. Krystle Dean-Duru are a pioneering mother–daughter team transforming pediatric dentistry with an integrative, airway-centric approach. Together at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, they combine laser-assisted therapies, myofunctional training, and growth-guidance appliances to optimize craniofacial development, sleep, and breathing from infancy through adolescence. Their shared mission is to empower families with early, preventative strategies that transform oral health, airway function, and overall health----Website: https://www.kidzsmile.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshburnChildrensDentistry/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashburnchildrensdentistry/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashburn-childrens-dentistry-60a63537/?trk=public_profile_browsemapYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrgxoVVrQRf6je6H_OkkDw----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results. ----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠⁠⁠15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----Lyme disease wears many disguises. In kids, it can look like anxiety, depression, and even tics, symptoms also common for PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Jaquel Patterson joins us to unpack how infections, a leaky blood–brain barrier, hormones, sleep, and nutrients interact. She also unveils what lifestyle, botanicals, and targeted testing can do to support recovery.----What if your child’s tics were rooted in an infection no one’s testing for? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Jaquel Patterson joins us to share her clinical journey from personal diagnosis to treating complex tick-borne illness. She explains how chronic inflammation weakens the blood–brain barrier, activates microglia, and disrupts brain regions to fuel anxiety, depression, cognitive symptoms, and tics in kids.Dr. Patterson talks about botanicals with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, including stevia and cordyceps. She also discusses hormone considerations in adolescents and women, mold’s impact, and the need for individualized testing, realistic relapse planning, and steady advocacy toward full recovery. Watch the full episode to gain insights and discover practical strategies you can use today to protect brain health, calm inflammation, and support lasting recovery.----Dr. Jaquel Patterson is a naturopathic physician and bestselling author with almost a decade of clinical expertise. She is the founder of Fairfield Family Health, where she specializes in tick-borne infections, autoimmune conditions, integrative psychiatry, autism spectrum disorder, allergies, and environmental medicine. Inspired by her mother’s struggle with lupus and her own journey overcoming tick-borne infections, she blends professional expertise with personal experience to provide compassionate, root-cause care. She is the author of Women and Lyme: An Integrative Guide to Better Health and a frequent speaker and trainer for healthcare providers worldwide. A past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and current treasurer of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, her work has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, New York Magazine, CBS, NBC, and ABC.----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could planning before pregnancy reduce your child’s risk of chronic illness? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, functional medicine dietitian Vicki Kobliner joins us to talk about her Healthy Baby Roadmap program. Discover how preconception planning, critical nutrients like iodine and choline, and simple lifestyle steps can give your child the best start in life and help lower the risk of chronic illness.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we welcome functional medicine dietitian Vicki Kobliner to explore how parents can give their children the best start in life through her program, Healthy Baby Roadmap. Vicki explains why preconception planning is critical, emphasizing the importance of nutrients like iodine, choline, and methyl folate, along with safe fish consumption and reducing environmental toxins. She also shares practical steps for gut health, lifestyle support, and navigating pregnancy tests and birth planning with confidence. This empowering conversation offers hope to parents who want to reduce their child’s risk of chronic illness through informed, proactive choices.----Vicki Kobliner is a registered dietitian and certified nutrition specialist with decades of experience in integrative and functional nutrition. She is the founder of Holcare Nutrition, where she specializes in supporting children and adults with complex chronic illnesses.Vicki partners with families to create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans that address root causes and promote lasting healing. She is a frequent lecturer, educator, and advocate, dedicated to helping patients optimize their health through the power of nutrition, functional testing, and integrative care.----Website: https://holcarenutrition.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vkoblinerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holcarenutrition/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Bringing PANS/PANDAS into the spotlight: one mother’s mission for awareness and change. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Gabriella True shares her journey as a mother of two children and her path to leading ASPIRE, a national nonprofit dedicated to PANS/PANDAS. She emphasizes the role of family and school support programs and the growing movement to bring these conditions into public consciousness.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Gabriella True joins us to share her powerful story as both a mother navigating these conditions with her children and as the President of ASPIRE, a leading nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and supporting families. She recounts her children’s struggles, the challenges of delayed diagnoses, and the breakthrough moments that shaped her advocacy journey. Gabriella emphasizes how ASPIRE has become a lifeline, offering webinars, support groups, and vital educational resources for families and schools.The conversation highlights ASPIRE’s multifaceted approach, from empowering families with knowledge to training educators and advocating for policy change. Gabriella also addresses why PANS/PANDAS remains underrecognized, the role of stigma in delaying diagnoses, and the importance of creating community connections. Above all, she shares words of hope, encouraging families to find gratitude each day and reminding them that progress, though sometimes slow, is real and ongoing.----Gabriella True is a dedicated advocate, educator, and community leader supporting families impacted by PANS/PANDAS. As a mother of children affected by these complex disorders, she turned her personal journey into a mission to raise awareness, expand resources, and empower caregivers worldwide.She serves as the President of ASPIRE (Alliance to Solve PANS and Immune-Related Encephalopathies), where she leads initiatives to advance education, promote research, and connect families with vital support. Gabriella also collaborates with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that patients and families receive the recognition, care, and compassion they deserve.----Website: https://aspire.care/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-true-581a9a9/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirepans/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if healing a child starts with healing the parent, too? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Emily Gutierrez joins us to discuss how caregiver stress, genetics, and toxins intersect to shape a child’s healing journey. She reveals why supporting parents is as vital as treating the child and discusses integrative approaches—from nutrition to repurposed medications—that bring families hope and resilience.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Emily Gutierrez joins us to discuss the complexities of treating PANS/PANDAS. She explains how these immune-mediated conditions not only affect children but ripple across entire families, leaving parents with lasting trauma and stress. She emphasizes the importance of addressing caregiver stress, recognizing early signs, and understanding that parents’ emotional states can influence a child’s healing.Dr. Gutierrez also explores the interplay of genetics, environmental toxins, and immune function, highlighting how genomic testing can provide clarity for treatment decisions. She discusses integrative strategies such as anti-inflammatory diets, repurposed medications, antiviral herbs, and collaborative care approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs. She encourages families to embrace their children’s innate resilience, manage stress with mindful practices, and view the healing journey as a path of growth for both parents and children.----Dr. Emily Gutierrez is a recognized expert in pediatric functional medicine. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. Her extensive credentials include board certification in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine, clinical nutrition, and primary mental health care, and she is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs Dr. Gutierrez is the founder of Neuronutrition Associates in Austin, Texas, one of the first pediatric-focused functional medicine clinics in the United States. She has treated children with complex neuroimmune conditions. She is also the Chief Scientific Formulator for Neuro Nutrients, developing science-based nutrient products tailored to support mental health and neurological resilience, and serves as adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University, where she has lectured on integrative medicine for almost a decade.Dr. Gutierrez has contributed the first chapter on functional and integrative medicine to a major pediatric primary care textbook and remains an active researcher, writer, and speaker dedicated to advancing root-cause approaches in pediatric neuropsychiatric care.----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

When schools mislabel and systems misdiagnose, families are left to pick up the pieces. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Sheilah Gauch shares her powerful personal and professional journey navigating PANS/PANDAS as a parent, clinical social worker, and school leader. She discusses the urgent need for integrative mental and medical approaches, systemic reform in education and diagnosis, and the overlooked trauma caregivers face.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Sheilah Gauch joins us to share her journey as a mother of two children diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS and as the clinical director of Dearborn Academy. Sheilah recounts the early misdiagnoses, the heartbreak of watching her children spiral, and the breakthrough that came when someone mentioned PANS/PANDAS. After seeing dramatic improvements with medical treatment, she began questioning the lack of awareness and integration between mental health and immune-driven illness in educational and therapeutic environments.Sheilah also dives into the neuroscience of anxiety, trauma, and caregiver stress, revealing how chronic caregiving trauma can distort decision-making and cause long-term harm if left unrecognized. She offers empowering insight into why mental health stigma persists, how professionals and families can improve differential diagnoses, and how therapeutic schools are pioneering trauma-informed, neuroscience-driven education. Her work in legislation and nonprofit advocacy is helping create systemic change, aiming to ensure no more families fall through the cracks.----Sheilah Gauch is a licensed independent clinical social worker, educator, and the Principal and Clinical Director of Dearborn Academy, a therapeutic day school for students with complex social, emotional, and learning needs. As a mother of two children diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS, she transformed her journey into professional advocacy, pushing for systemic change in schools, mental health care, and state policy.Sheilah co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS legislation, securing insurance coverage and establishing a permanent Department of Public Health Advisory Council. She also serves on the boards of the Alex Manfull Fund and the LOOK Foundation, working to expand research and caregiver support. Through her Psychology Today blog, The Whole Child, she bridges science, trauma-informed care, and lived experience to help families and professionals better understand immune-mediated psychiatric illness.----Website: https://dearbornacademy.org/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

The symptoms looked psychiatric. The cause was infectious. The consequences were irreversible. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Nicole Bell shares her journey of losing her husband to a misdiagnosed tick-borne illness mistaken for early-onset Alzheimer’s. She reveals the systemic flaws in diagnostic testing, the overlooked connection between infections and psychiatric symptoms, and how she’s now leading efforts to revolutionize tick-borne disease detection.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Nicole Bell recounts the heartbreaking story of her husband’s decline from undiagnosed tick-borne infections that presented as psychiatric symptoms and were misdiagnosed as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Despite seeking answers through mainstream and integrative medicine, repeated false negatives and incomplete diagnostic tools left her without a clear path—until she uncovered the real root: chronic infections like Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia. Nicole reflects on how this experience revealed systemic flaws in medicine, where symptom management too often replaces root-cause discovery, and how she turned her grief into advocacy by joining Galaxy Diagnostics.Nicole explains how they are now developing direct detection tools that go beyond traditional antibody tests—which often fail due to immune suppression. She breaks down how technologies like digital polymerase chain reaction and urine antigen testing are helping uncover stealth pathogens earlier and more accurately. We also discuss the emotional toll on caregivers, the power of community, and the importance of journaling and organizing information when navigating medical chaos. Nicole’s message is clear: demand better, trust your instincts, and never stop searching for the truth when it comes to complex, chronic illness.----Nicole Bell is an author, engineer, and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, a laboratory advancing diagnostic tools for tick-borne illnesses. After losing her husband to a tragic misdiagnosis, she turned her personal loss into purpose. Through her memoir What Lurks in the Woods, she brings awareness to the devastating consequences of undiagnosed infections, and as a leader in biotech, she’s pioneering innovative direct detection methods to uncover the root causes of chronic illness.With degrees from MIT and Duke, she combines her background in engineering and biomedical innovation with her mission to revolutionize the standard of care in tick-borne disease. She is a passionate advocate for better diagnostics, systemic change in healthcare, and the power of caregivers to demand answers and drive solutions.----Website: https://www.galaxydx.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaniellebell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledaniellebell/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Hidden infections, sudden behavior changes—here’s what parents need to know now. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Denis Bouboulis joins us to uncover how infections like Lyme and strep can trigger autoimmune encephalitis and PANS/PANDAS in children. He explains the stepwise approach to diagnosing hidden infections, rebalancing the immune system, and why intravenous immunoglobulin must be used wisely for true healing.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Denis Bouboulis joins us to share his decades of expertise treating children with autoimmune encephalitis and PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Bliss explains how seemingly unrelated infections can derail a child’s immune system, triggering a cascade of neuropsychiatric symptoms that are often overlooked by conventional medicine.He breaks down the power and limitations of treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin, stressing the importance of addressing underlying infections first, rebalancing the immune system, and monitoring each step. Dr. Bliss also reveals how environmental factors, including family carriers, pets, and allergies, can cause flares. His holistic, methodical approach offers real hope for families desperate to help their kids heal without skipping steps that could make things worse down the line.----Dr. Denis Bouboulis is a board-certified immunologist and allergist with over a decade of experience diagnosing and treating complex conditions like autoimmune encephalitis, tick-borne infections, PANS, and PANDAS. An early pioneer in the field, he has helped countless children and families uncover the hidden infections and immune dysfunctions that conventional medicine often misdiagnoses or overlooks.As founder and director of the Advanced Allergy Immunology and Asthma Center and Superior Associates Infusion Center, Dr. Bouboulis specializes in neuroimmunology and immune modulation therapies, including intravenous immunoglobulin. Known for his detective-level medical approach and compassionate care, he’s committed to educating families and clinicians on the crucial steps needed to help kids heal, while raising awareness about this often misunderstood autoimmune disease.----Website: https://www.advanced-allergy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-denis-bouboulis/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Lyme disease—could it be the missing link in your child’s mystery illness? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Myriah Hinchey unpacks the misunderstood world of vector-borne diseases like Lyme and their connection to PANS/PANDAS. She shares her framework for restoring the immune system and using botanicals to help families heal.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Myriah Hinchey joins us to shed light on the hidden links between vector-borne diseases like Lyme and their role in triggering complex conditions like PANS and PANDAS. She breaks down Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella, explaining hallmark symptoms parents should watch for and why so many children with immune dysfunction struggle to tolerate typical treatments.Dr. Hinchey also shares her framework for healing: from balancing the immune system and rebuilding the gut, to breaking down biofilms and blasting the bugs. With a strong focus on herbs, botanicals, and restoring the body’s innate resilience, she makes this complex journey feel doable. Her wisdom, humor, and step-by-step strategies offer families real hope for long-term recovery.----Dr. Myriah Hinchey is a board-certified naturopathic physician with extensive experience treating complex, chronic infections such as Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS. A passionate root-cause detective, she has dedicated her career to helping children and families unravel the layers of immune dysfunction that traditional medicine often overlooks.Dr. Hinchey co-founded LymeCore Botanicals, a trusted herbal and botanical company providing clean, potent formulas for practitioners and patients worldwide. She is also the creator of Lyme Bites, an educational platform and annual conference for clinicians seeking to deepen their knowledge of vector-borne illness and integrative treatment. Known for her innovative framework and her empowering, hopeful approach, she is committed to restoring immune function with a balance of science, nature, and practical wisdom.----⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drmyriahhinchey/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lymecore⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.lymebytes.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.lymecore.com/⁠⁠----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What happens when conventional treatments fall short? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Peggy Chapman, a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner, dives deep into the complexities of treating children with PANS and PANDAS. She shares clinical insights on psychiatric medications, supplement interactions, diagnostic challenges, and how to compassionately navigate the chaos of neuroinflammation with both families and practitioners.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Peggy Chapman, a psychiatric nurse specialist, joins us to share her decades-long expertise treating children and young adults with complex neuropsychiatric symptoms. We explore the inflammatory roots of PANS/PANDAS and how cytokines disrupt dopamine and serotonin pathways, resulting in tics, rage, depression, and even memory loss. Peggy also breaks down the neurobiological impact of inflammation on the basal ganglia and why this changes everything about how psychiatric medications work—or don’t—in these patients.Our conversation also explores the pitfalls of supplement fatigue, the dangers of polypharmacy without guidance, and the emotional toll this condition takes on caregivers. Peggy emphasizes the need for individualized care, clinical curiosity, and community support. Through stories, humor, and clinical pearls, she paints a hopeful yet grounded path forward for families—and shares how she’s built her new PAN Center to train the next generation of informed practitioners.----Peggy Chapman is a board-certified clinical nurse specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric nursing with over four decades of experience in mental health care. She has worked across inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and therapy for children, teens, and adults, building a reputation as a pioneering voice in treating PANS and PANDAS.Since treating her first PANDAS patient in 1999, she has become a passionate advocate, educator, and clinician in this emerging field. She co-led the Asperger's Association of New England parent support group for over a decade and currently serves as medical advisor for the New England PANS/PANDAS Association. In 2024, she founded the PAN Center in Massachusetts, a groundbreaking clinic dedicated to comprehensive care, professional training, and research support for PANS/PANDAS.Known for her blend of scientific rigor and deep compassion, Peggy is on a mission to mentor the next generation of practitioners while helping families navigate the maze of psychiatric medications, immune challenges, and complex neuroinflammation with clarity and confidence.----Website: https://panscenter.org/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. James Greenblatt unpacks the critical role of functional psychiatry in treating complex neuropsychiatric disorders like anorexia, mood dysregulation, OCD, and ADHD. From addressing low cholesterol and vitamin deficiencies to using nutritional lithium, he shares practical and hopeful interventions for healing children by addressing root causes.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. James Greenblatt joins us to explore functional psychiatry and its application in children with complex neuropsychiatric challenges. He explains how disorders like anorexia, OCD, and ADHD in the context of PANS/PANDAS are too often treated with medications alone. Instead, he champions a root-cause approach that includes careful nutritional assessments, family history, and metabolic factors. From incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy to evaluating vitamin and cholesterol levels, he emphasizes how addressing the whole child is key to dramatic improvements.Our conversation also delves into the profound impact of micronutrients like lithium orotate and folinic acid, and why dismissing diet, infections, and functional lab testing is costing kids their mental health. Whether you’re a parent or a practitioner, this episode provides actionable insights and a renewed sense of hope that healing is not only possible—it’s happening.----Dr. James Greenblatt is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a pioneer in functional and integrative psychiatry. With over three decades of clinical experience, he has transformed the way practitioners and families understand and treat complex mental health conditions, including anorexia, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, a leading educational platform for clinicians seeking to learn functional psychiatry, and Mind Refined, a consumer-focused initiative offering courses and resources for families navigating psychiatric challenges. Dr. Greenblatt also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts and Dartmouth medical schools, and is the former Chief Medical Officer of Walden Behavioral Care, a national organization specializing in eating disorders.A prolific author of eight books, including the bestselling Finally Focused, a natural treatment plan for ADHD, Dr. Greenblatt has educated thousands of professionals on how nutritional imbalances, immune dysfunction, and overlooked lab markers can drive psychiatric symptoms. His evidence-informed, deeply compassionate approach is reshaping the future of mental health care—one individualized patient plan at a time.----Website: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry_redefined/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could gut health be the missing link in PANS and PANDAS? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Anju Usman-Singh joins us to dive into the critical role of gut health and biofilm-related infections in children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. She shares practical, science-based strategies for breaking down biofilms, improving motility, and supporting detox pathways to reduce neuroinflammation and behavioral symptoms.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Anju Usman-Singh joins us to unpack the often-overlooked but essential role of the gut in neuroimmune disorders. She explains how biofilms—sticky, protective layers harboring infections—can block the immune system from recognizing pathogens, distort lab results, and trap vital minerals like iron and calcium. Dr. Anju shares how breaking down these biofilms with gentle acids, enzymes, and targeted botanicals can dramatically improve symptoms, from recurring infections to behavioral outbursts.She also emphasizes that healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Addressing chronic infections, SIBO/SIFO, and detoxification must be approached with patience and personalization. Our conversation explores the gut-brain-immune triangle in children with PANS, PANDAS, autism, and more, highlighting the critical importance of diet, vagus nerve support, motility, and stress management. Whether you’re a parent or practitioner, these insights are both scientifically grounded and deeply empathetic.----Dr. Anju Usman-Singh is a board-certified family physician and internationally respected leader in integrative and biomedical approaches for children with PANS, PANDAS, ADHD, Down syndrome, autism, and related neuroimmune conditions. She is the founder and medical director of True Health Medical Center and Pure Compounding Pharmacy in Naperville, Illinois, and serves as the Chief Science Officer for Tru Healing Naturals, a family-owned nutraceutical company.With decades of clinical experience and research spanning zinc and metallothionein imbalances, biofilm-related infections, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Dr. Anju brings both cutting-edge science and deep compassion to her work. She serves on the executive board of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs and contributes her expertise to organizations like Documenting Hope and the Autism Hope Alliance.Known for her innovative protocols that gently and effectively address chronic infections, detoxification, and gut-brain-immune imbalances, Dr. Anju is a trusted teacher, speaker, and clinician. Her personalized, whole-child approach helps families uncover the root causes of complex conditions—and chart a realistic, hopeful path toward healing.----Website: https://www.truehealthmedical.com/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if a personalized diet could unlock healing for your child? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, nutrition expert Julie Matthews dives deep into the power of personalized diets for children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. Backed by research and years of clinical experience, she explains how targeted nutrition can address inflammation, picky eating, gut dysfunction, and behavioral symptoms—one child at a time.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Julie Matthews joins me to share how two decades of working with children on the autism spectrum and those with conditions like PANS and PANDAS, led her to champion personalized nutrition as a foundational therapy. She discusses how therapeutic diets—like gluten-free, casein-free, paleo, and the Feingold diet—can be strategically matched to a child’s unique symptoms, from tics and OCD to anxiety and ADHD. Her recent study with over 800 families showed that dietary interventions often surpassed pharmaceuticals in effectiveness while carrying far fewer side effects.Julie also shares simple, practical advice for parents navigating restrictive eating and sensory issues. She highlights how nutrient deficiencies (like zinc), food cravings, and even the texture of vegetables can all be clues to deeper biological imbalances. Throughout the episode, Julie emphasizes that nutrition is a journey—one best taken with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to experiment. Her step-by-step plan for nourishing hope offers families a clear, empowering roadmap toward improved health and behavior.----Julie Matthews is a certified nutrition consultant and globally respected authority on personalized nutrition for children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. With a master's degree in medical nutrition and over two decades of clinical experience, she has helped thousands of families understand the connection between food, gut health, and brain function.Julie is the author of the groundbreaking books ‘Nourishing Hope for Autism’ and ‘The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan.’ She is also the co-author of a recent research study evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic diets in improving autism-related symptoms. Through her company, Nourishing Hope, she educates parents and practitioners around the world on how targeted dietary changes can reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and improve behavior, mood, and overall health.Renowned for her compassionate, science-based approach, she makes complex nutritional concepts simple and actionable, empowering families to become ‘nutrition detectives’ and transform their child's life through food. Her work continues to lead the movement toward root-cause nutrition strategies that heal the body and support neurodevelopment from the inside out.----Website: https://nourishinghope.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliematthewsnourishinghope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NourishingHopeForAutismLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matthews-ms-5673878/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could this ancient spice be the holistic healing tool you've been searching for? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Shivani Gupta shares the science and ancient wisdom behind turmeric, revealing how this powerful root can fight inflammation, support the brain and gut, and become a holistic healing tool for the whole family. From improving joint pain and neuroinflammation to boosting metabolic health and stress resilience, turmeric’s multi-system benefits are nothing short of remarkable.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Shivani Gupta joins me for a compelling exploration into the ancient healing power of turmeric. Dr. Gupta explains how this vibrant root operates on multiple levels—as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulator, and neuroprotectant. She dives into curcumin’s clinical applications for everything from joint pain and obesity to dementia and autoimmune conditions, emphasizing its profound relevance for families dealing with chronic illness, especially children with PANS and PANDAS.Our conversation also highlights key lifestyle changes for reducing inflammation naturally, like switching to anti-inflammatory diets, choosing non-toxic household products, and practicing circadian living. Dr. Gupta shares practical strategies for incorporating turmeric into meals, combining it with black pepper or healthy fats for better absorption, and using Ayurvedic tools like adaptogenic teas and daily self-care rituals. Whether you're managing a health condition or simply want to age vibrantly, this episode is filled with grounded, inspiring wisdom to support whole-body healing from the inside out.----Dr. Shivani Gupta is a leading voice in the integration of Ayurvedic medicine with modern health strategies, specializing in natural approaches to inflammation, immune support, and chronic illness. With a master’s degree in Ayurvedic Sciences and a doctorate focused specifically on turmeric and its active compound curcumin, she combines ancient wisdom with modern clinical research to empower families seeking holistic, root-cause solutions.As the founder of Fusionary Formulas, she has developed potent, science-backed supplements and adaptogenic teas designed to support the body’s healing across systems—from gut health and brain function to joint pain and hormone balance. Dr. Gupta is known for her ability to simplify complex health concepts and teach actionable steps grounded in the principles of Ayurveda, especially for parents navigating conditions like PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune disorders. Through her clinical experience, product development, and public speaking, she continues to shift the conversation around inflammation and wellness, proving that true healing starts by honoring the body, nature, and centuries of time-tested medicine.----Website: https://www.fusionaryformulas.com/Website: https://drshivani.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaniguptafl/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results. ----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠⁠15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----Do herbs, botanicals, and immunotherapy work for PANS/PANDAS? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Darin Ingels joins us to unpack how herbs, botanicals, and low-dose immunotherapy can be used as effective, personalized treatments for children with PANS/PANDAS. Drawing from his personal healing journey and clinical experience, he explains how a multi-system, root-cause approach often leads to lasting improvement, especially when antibiotics fall short.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I welcome renowned naturopath Dr. Darin Ingels for a deep dive into herbal medicine and immunotherapy for PANS and PANDAS. Drawing from his battle with Lyme and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Ingels explains why certain herbs are often more effective and better tolerated than antibiotics, especially in children. He also explains the chemistry behind herbal synergy, why plants rarely disrupt the microbiome, and how they provide multiple benefits, including immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.The conversation expands to include low-dose immunotherapy (LDI), a method of retraining the immune system by introducing ultra-diluted antigens. Dr. Ingels illustrates how LDI often produces rapid symptom relief in children with PANS, even when conventional treatments fail. He also dives into the nuances of mold allergy versus mycotoxin illness, the pitfalls of standard Lyme testing, and prevention tips like permethrin-treated clothing to reduce tick exposure. The episode closes with practical guidance on using supplements, identifying immune disruptors, and empowering parents and practitioners to explore safer, holistic treatments rooted in personalized care.----Dr. Darin Ingels is a leading expert in the natural treatment of chronic immune and neuropsychiatric disorders. A former clinical microbiologist and the author of The Lyme Solution, Dr. Ingels blends personal experience as a Lyme patient with over 25 years of clinical practice to guide families through complex, root-cause healing.----Website: https://dariningelsnd.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdariningels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariningelsnd/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if mental health conditions had a hidden infectious link? Join us in this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast as Dr. Shannon Delaney shares her journey from psychiatry to investigating infectious causes of neuropsychiatric illness, with a focus on Bartonella and other tick-borne infections. We also discuss groundbreaking research, testing strategies, and the clinical clues practitioners should never ignore.----In this eye-opening conversation, I speak with psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Shannon Delaney about her groundbreaking work linking Bartonella and other tick-borne infections to severe psychiatric symptoms. Dr. Delaney shares how she uncovered startling connections between infections and conditions like psychosis, anorexia, OCD, and rage, often in patients previously dismissed with conversion disorder or unexplained mental illness. She details her landmark study showing Bartonella DNA in 43% of adults with psychosis, compared to just 13% of healthy controls, and unpacks why traditional testing often misses these cases.This episode dives deep into clinical presentation, diagnostic pitfalls, treatment strategies, and the layered role of coinfections like Babesia, Borrelia, and Brucella. Dr. Delaney explains why some patients respond dramatically to antibiotics or herbals, and why others require a comprehensive, multi-system approach. Whether you're a clinician or a parent, this conversation offers vital insights into a new frontier of infectious psychiatry—and hope for healing where traditional medicine falls short.----Dr. Shannon Delaney is a respected leader in the diagnosis and treatment of complex neuropsychiatric illnesses, with a special focus on Lyme disease and tick-borne infections affecting the brain.As Director of Child and Adolescent Evaluation at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center, Dr. Delaney blends cutting-edge research with compassionate care, offering hope and answers to families navigating the often-overlooked neurological impact of chronic infections.Her expertise lies in identifying infection-triggered neuropsychiatric symptoms in children and young adults, including those linked to Lyme disease, Bartonella, and PANS/PANDAS. With a background in both neurology and psychiatry, she approaches each case with a uniquely holistic lens, combining medical insight with a deep commitment to her patients' long-term recovery.Through clinical work, research, and education, Dr. Delaney is a driving force in raising awareness about the intersection of infectious disease and mental health. Her work continues to inspire clinicians, researchers, and families alike to advocate for better diagnostics, treatment, and understanding.----LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-delaney-2a0a559b/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

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.----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.----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.----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this powerful episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge shares her decades of experience helping children with PANS/PANDAS by addressing one often-overlooked root cause: nervous system dysregulation. We also break down how regulating the nervous system can unlock healing, improve therapy outcomes, and transform the lives of both children and their caregivers.----In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I welcome Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a mental health expert and neurotherapy pioneer, to discuss why regulating the nervous system is critical for healing children with PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Roseann emphasizes that trauma, chronic stress, and inflammation keep both children and parents locked in a state of sympathetic overdrive, making healing difficult or impossible. We also delve into how stress responses derail treatments and how parents’ own dysregulation often contributes to the family’s struggles. This conversation explores practical and empowering tools like neurofeedback, magnesium supplements, and daily habits like breathwork and mantra repetition to bring calm to chaotic households. Dr. Roseann also explains how OCD can take root in activated brains, why talk therapy alone often fails, and how lifestyle changes can unlock the path to real progress. This episode is a call to action for both parents and practitioners to prioritize nervous system health, not as a luxury, but as the foundation for everything else.----Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a distinguished expert in children's integrative mental health and the visionary founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health.Holding credentials as a Connecticut Certified School Psychologist and a Board Certified Neurofeedback Provider (BCN), Dr. Roseann also hosts the insightful podcast, “It’s Gonna be Ok! with Dr. Roseann,” a valuable resource for navigating children's behavior and mental health.With over three decades of experience, she has empowered thousands of children and families to overcome complex behavioral and mental health challenges through her innovative BrainBehaviorReset™ program. Having conducted more than 10,000 QEEG brain maps, Dr. Roseann is recognized by Forbes as a “thought leader in children’s mental health.”----Website: https://drroseann.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009512658853Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroseann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanncapannahodge/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Dr. Tania Dempsey joins me in this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast to unravel the complex role of mast cells in PANS/PANDAS. Tune in now to gain powerful insights into mast cell activation syndrome and how it could be a missing piece in your child’s recovery puzzle.----In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tania Dempsey, a leading expert in mast cell activation syndrome, to explore how mast cells can fuel chronic inflammation, especially in children with PANS/PANDAS. Together, we discuss how mast cells are embedded throughout the body, especially in the brain, and how their dysregulation can lead to everything from severe anxiety to skin and respiratory issues.We also dive deep into how mast cell activation syndrome can be triggered by infections, mold, trauma, or environmental toxins, and how these triggers can keep the immune system stuck in a loop of constant activation. Dr. Dempsey outlines her diagnostic strategies, the limitations of current tests, and the critical importance of ruling out excipients in medications that may cause unwanted reactions. She also provides practical, hope-filled guidance on using over-the-counter antihistamines, nutraceuticals, and environmental interventions to help stabilize symptoms. If your child is struggling with unresolved symptoms and standard treatments aren’t working, this episode may shed light on an overlooked root cause—and offer new pathways toward healing.----Dr. Tania Dempsey is an internationally recognized expert in chronic disease, autoimmune disorders, and mast cell activation syndrome. She is known for her work in chronic immune dysregulation and is sought after by patients and colleagues around the world.As founder of the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, Dr. Dempsey combines integrative and functional medicine to uncover the root causes of illness and help patients understand the complex mechanisms behind their symptoms. Her practice serves individuals across the United States and worldwide, including patients from Israel, England, Thailand, and France.With deep expertise in mast cell activation syndrome, mold-related illness, and Lyme disease, Dr. Dempsey is a leading voice in the functional medicine community. She regularly speaks at conferences, leads educational events, and appears on podcasts and panels to share her clinical insights with both peers and the public. Through her work, she continues to advance the understanding and treatment of chronic illness worldwide.----Website: https://drtaniadempsey.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/