"Strep linked to OCD, tics, and other neurological changes, including anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, anorexia and urinary problems."
The Susan Swedo, Chief of Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience at the National Institute of Mental Health first linked strep throat in the mid-1990s to a host of "sudden onset of obcessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, and other neurological changes, including anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, anorexia, and urinary problems." Research is now expanding in the linkage between strep and its rare results through PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus).
About 1% of US children have OCD, whereas 20% may have transient tic disorders, but researchers don't know how many of those are related to strep. The Boston-based International OCD Foundation recommends "that any child who has such sudden OCD-like symptoms be tested for strep and or other active infections. 'Children don't go crazy overnight.'"
See The Wall Street Journal (December 13, 2011): D3.
About 1% of US children have OCD, whereas 20% may have transient tic disorders, but researchers don't know how many of those are related to strep. The Boston-based International OCD Foundation recommends "that any child who has such sudden OCD-like symptoms be tested for strep and or other active infections. 'Children don't go crazy overnight.'"
See The Wall Street Journal (December 13, 2011): D3.
Posted by Carol Rae Hansen PHD at 12/14/2011 12:07 PM 
Categories: Neurological problems
Tags: Strep throat tics OCD neurological changes anxiety irritability hyperactivity anorexia urinary problems
Categories: Neurological problems
Tags: Strep throat tics OCD neurological changes anxiety irritability hyperactivity anorexia urinary problems
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