ASPIRE President and Founding Board Member Gabriella True was invited by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) to present a webinar on PANS, PANDAS, and suicide risk. More than 200 people registered for the presentation, which focused on recognizing the potentially severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of PANS/PANDAS and the importance of timely recognition, appropriate treatment, and coordinated care.
As part of this collaboration, Gabriella also participated in OSPF’s Voices for Suicide Prevention podcast with Scott Light and Stephanie Booker to discuss PANS and PANDAS in greater depth.
When Infection Hijacks the Mind: PANS and PANDAS Explained
The conversation begins with the basics: what PANS and PANDAS are, what these disorders can look like, and why a child or young person can seem to change so dramatically. Gabriella discusses sudden or newly worsening OCD, restricted eating, tics, severe anxiety, rage, mood changes, and other symptoms that can profoundly affect patients and their families.
A key theme is the importance of recognizing these changes as symptoms rather than merely behavioral issues.
Gabriella also shares her family’s experience with PANS/PANDAS and addresses the consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment. The discussion then focuses on serious concerns such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors, self-harm, and the challenges families face when emergency psychiatric care or hospitalization is required.
The discussion emphasizes that acknowledging a possible neuroimmune component does not diminish the reality or urgency of psychiatric symptoms. Patients often require both medical treatment for the underlying illness and appropriate psychiatric and psychotherapeutic support.
Listen to the Podcast
When Infection Hijacks the Mind: PANS and PANDAS Explained | Voices for Suicide Prevention
Watch the PANS/PANDAS & Suicide Risk Webinar
The podcast accompanies Gabriella’s February 2026 presentation for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation on PANS, PANDAS, and suicide risk. The recorded webinar is available through ASPIRE.
Watch the Webinar: PANS/PANDAS Lecture for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Gabriella True
