Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and Immunology Research Program

Overview

We provide opportunities for children with and without PANDAS and OCD to participate in research, including children with post-COVID OCD and tic symptoms. Our goal is to better understand neuropsychiatric disorders in children, especially P.A.N.D.A.S. and OCD, to inform and improve treatment.

What Is PANDAS?

PANDAS, or P.A.N.D.A.S., is short for Pediatric AutoImmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections. PANDAS is hypothesized to be caused by strep bacteria, which can hide from a child’s immune system by mimicking healthy cells in the skin, heart, joints, and brain tissue. Children with PANDAS experience a sudden onset or worsening of tics and/or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While many children may experience strep throat, OCD, or tics, PANDAS is diagnosed when there is a close relationship found between the onset/severity of these symptoms and a streptococcal infection.

Vision

To improve understanding of the etiology and most effective treatments of pediatric neuropsychiatric immune conditions through our integrated clinic and research program.

Mission Statement

Our interdisciplinary team engages in cutting edge research to inform evidence-based care for children with neuropsychiatric conditions.

Podcasts

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast: PANS & PANDAS

Host David Puder, MD, talks with Dr. Williams and Dr. O’Dor about diagnosing and treating PANS and PANDAS. Follow the link above to hear the podcast and view a blog post by PNIP volunteer Annabel Kuhn, MD. The blog has information about diagnosis, treatment, and links to research articles discussed in the podcast.

Webinars

PANDAS/PANS, Parenting and the Pandemic

Join Dr. Kyle Williams from the Mass General PANDAS clinic as he presents an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it continues to affect care for children with PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Sarah O’Dor, the Director of Research, presents her research on how COVID has changed the way we deliver healthcare for PANS/PANDAS and discusses our upcoming research projects.

Previous Webinars

Current Research Projects

Children with PANS/PANDAS Wanted for IVIG Clinical Trial

PI: Kyle A. Williams, MD, PhD
Study Contact: Olivia Downer (617-643-8319, pandasclinic@partners.org)

The Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and Immunology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is looking for children ages 6-17 years to participate in a clinical trial. This study evaluates the efficacy of Panzyga (an IVIG treatment) to treat symptoms in patients with suspected or diagnosed pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). Participants will come in for up to 9 visits over 6 months at the Translational Clinical Research Center, located in the White building at Massachusetts General Hospital. All participants receive the study drug for 9 weeks and then placebo for 9 weeks, or vice versa. Study drug and placebo are given as an IV infusion (each infusion lasts at least 3 hours).The participant will undergo blood draws and urine samples, as well as questionnaires and physical and psychiatric exams. Compensation (up to $960) and parking/travel reimbursement will be provided.

Healthy Children wanted for one-visit MRI research study

PI: Kyle A. Williams, MD, PhD

The Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and Immunology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is looking for healthy children aged 7-15 years to participate in a single-visit MRI study. This study investigates the role of neuroinflammation in the development of PANDAS/PANS. Participants will come in for a single visit lasting approximately 2-3 hours at the Martinos Imaging. The participant will receive a 45-minute MRI and undergo some brief neuropsychological examinations and a blood draw. Subjects will be reimbursed $50 for their participation.

If you and your child are interested in participating, contact our study coordinator: 617-726-8508, pandasclinic@partners.org

Children with PANDAS wanted for clinical trial

PI: Kyle A. Williams, MD, PhD
Study Contact: Sarah O'Dor (617-643-6688, pandasclinic@partners.org)

Study Description: The Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and Immunology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is looking for children aged 6-15 years to participate in a clinical trial. This study evaluates the efficacy of naproxen sodium to treat OCD symptoms in patients with suspected or diagnosed Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). Participants will come in for up to 4 visits lasting 1.5-3 hours at the Simches Research Building or One Bowdoin Sq. Participants will receive 8 weeks of either naproxen sodium or placebo. The participant will undergo two blood draws, urine samples, and fecal samples as well as questionnaires and physical and psychiatric exams. Compensation ($50) and parking reimbursement will be provided.

Children with OCD Wanted for a Research Imaging Study

PI: Kyle A. Williams, MD, PhD

The Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and Immunology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is looking for children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) aged 6-17 to participate in a single-visit MRI study. This study investigates the role of neuroinflammation in contracting PANDAS/PANS. Participants will come in for a single visit that should last 2-3 hours wherein the participant will receive a 45-minute MRI and undergo some brief neuropsychological examinations and a blood draw. Subjects will be reimbursed for their participation.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please contact our study coordinator: 617-726-8508, pandasclinic@partners.org

Investigating microglial activation in movement and compulsive disorders using MR-PET

Are you a healthy adult between 18 and 40 years old? You may be eligible for a Massachusetts General Hospital research study investigating the structure and function of the brain of adults with and without movement and compulsive disorders using MR-PET scans. The study includes one screening visit and one scanning visits at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Eligible participants will be compensated up to $200 for their time.

For more information, please contact Hooker Research Group staff at: 617-643-7811 OR imagingstudy@harvard.edu)

Is there a connection between movement and compulsive disorders and neuroinflammation in the brain?

Are you a healthy adult between 18 and 40 years old? The Massachusetts General Hospital is currently recruiting for a new research study that will use a MR-PET scanner to examine the brains of adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Tourette Syndrome. The study will include two visits at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Participants will be compensated up to $200 for their time. Participants must be: - Between the ages of 18 and 40 years old - Diagnosed with either OCD or TS

For more information, please contact Hooker Research Group staff at: 617-643-7811 OR imagingstudy@harvard.edu)

Group Members

Publications

Full list of publications

Clinical Care

If you are interested in learning more about clinical care for PANS/PANDAS at Mass General, please visit our clinic page.