Any ideas? DC 10 anxiety, Adhd and inflammation

amother

Thu, Jan 11 2024, 9:20 am

I’m kind of at a loss. DC age 10 was diagnosed with adhd last year. She also has anxiety about different things (not being ready on time, studying for certain subjects that are hard for her, general feelings of overwhelm) which come out as sensory meltdowns (yelling, thrashing, crying) just out of control…it’s sad to witness. When she’s regulated she’s great- happy, does very well socially etc. but when she’s disregulated she’s so so difficult. Lately it seems like she’s more on constant high alert, over active nervous system allll the time. I would love ways to help her calm down. We’ve tried different medications none perfect she’s currently on guanfacine it’s helping a bit but not enough. She also has been having cold after cold, her tonsils constantly enlarged, she seems to be inflamed but no strep. wondering if there can be a connection here that I didn’t try and what’s the best way to addrsss it? I’m overwhelmed at how to tackle it and what steps to take. Thank you.

amother

Dustypink

Sat, Jan 13 2024, 10:28 pm

Sounds like classic pandas.
Many kids with pandas will have large tonsils but will never get a positive strep culture. The theory is that the strep is hiding deep inside the tonsils, not on the surface, so it won't show up on a swab.

amother

Offwhite

Sun, Jan 14 2024, 1:11 am

I was also thinking along the lines of pans/pandas. Not necessarily strep can be another infection. Also, have you checked her blood titers, we have no clue when my dc had strep but they were elevated and pandas was raging. You can try Antibiotics and see if there is a response, or Motrin round the clock for a few days and see if it calms the inflammation

amother

Dustypink

Sun, Jan 14 2024, 11:19 am

amother OP wrote:

Thanks for responding. So how can I diagnose this or research further? And how is it treated? Thanks

Ideally you would see a pandas specialist to sort this out for you. But unfortunately most of them don't take insurance and charge a fortune. Maybe your pediatrician can be helpful by running titer checks and prescribing antibiotics?
Or you can go the alternative route and try diet, supplements, homeopathy etc.