Microbes and Mental Illness
Hints that some mental illness may be linked to infectious agents and/or autoimmune processes date back to at least the early 20th Century. Probably the most compelling case for such involvement is children who develop obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders “overnight,” following a strep infection. Despite continuing debate over its parameters, evidence is mounting in support of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) — or at least a syndrome modeled on it.
Last month, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Pediatric Developmental Neuroscience Branch convened dozens of experts from the field — including prominent PANDAS critics — to update the science and attempt to achieve consensus on criteria defining the syndrome. The mere fact that the conference took place signals a change in the scientific climate. NIMH reports that impetus for the July conference came, in part, from publication of two independent studies within the past year that lend new credence to the PANDAS concept. NIMH now believes that the data relating to PANDAS is compelling enough to warrant following up such leads. Accordingly, NIMH is preparing to launch a new trial of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment for PANDAS this Fall.
