Welcome to PANS/PANDAS Stories. Join Lucy McDonald as she talks to children and parents living with this misunderstood neuropsychiatric condition and to the experts dedicated to understanding and treating it. Awareness is growing, and this podcast hopes to grow it further. Real stories, honest conversations, and hope for anyone finding their way along the long and complicated road to recovery. Some episodes contain themes listeners may find upsetting. This podcast does not replace medical advice.
PANS/PANDAS STORIES
Claim This Podcastby Lucy McDonald
5.0(47 reviews)
25 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧
Podcast Overview
Welcome to PANS/PANDAS Stories. Join Lucy McDonald as she talks to children and parents living with this misunderstood neuropsychiatric condition and to the experts dedicated to understanding and treating it. Awareness is growing, and this podcast hopes to grow it further. Real stories, honest conversations, and hope for anyone finding their way along the long and complicated road to recovery. Some episodes contain themes listeners may find upsetting. This podcast does not replace medical advice.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/2/2023
1 verified contact email on file for PANS/PANDAS STORIES
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Recent Episodes
July 6, 2026
The Day Our Children Changed Overnight: Two Mothers on PANS/PANDAS
<p>A whopping episode-in more ways than one. In this podcast I speak to PANS/PANDAS parent and advocate Lindsey Forsyth and her friend and fellow PANS/PANDAS mother, Kate Rooney. Longer than normal, as there was so much to talk about, and it was also my first-ever triple-header. Coming from London, Florida, and California.</p><p>The pair speak passionately and candidly about navigating the system and trying to work out what good care looks like. They talk about sudden onset, IVIG, OCD, the importance of community, and how their faith has helped them. </p><p>There is a lot of information in this podcast. Many US doctors are mentioned by name (all positively), and different treatments and medications are discussed. </p><p>This is not medical or therapeutic advice. Please see a healthcare professional to discuss your child.</p><p>**Also, while you are here, my PANS PANDAS online therapy course is now available. Three hours of easy-to-watch short films covering how to look after yourself so you can look after your child; the main symptoms and therapies; flares and what recovery may look like for you. Lots of resources and peer-reviewed. Early bird price of £99.**</p><p>Link here: lucy-mcdonald-s-school.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=6744859</p>
May 18, 2026
IVIG, Rage, and how music heals. Dr Patrick Whelan shares insights PANS PANDAS
<p>Dr Whelan is a rheumatologist from UCLA in California. He describes his discipline as almost the last port of call for many suffering from PANS/PANDAS but describes how his specialist understanding of inflammation broadens the lens of investigation and often provides answers. </p><p>In this fascinating chat, he talks about immunological mechanisms and immune deficiency, IVIG treatment, the microbiome's link to psychiatric symptoms, OCD therapy that changes brain blood flow and how music therapy can activate and regulate brain pathways. A truly fascinating chat. I hope he'll come back on, as I feel we only touched the surface. </p>
May 4, 2026
Treating the Whole Child: PANS/PANDAS, Neuroinflammation & Hope with Dr. Leila Mason
<p>((Before I talk about this episode, I have a favour! Please scroll down - there is a survey link below - 20 minutes of your time could shape the future of therapy for this illness 💛 Thanks))</p><p>This week Lucy is joined by Dr. Leila Masson, a paediatrician based in Sydney, Australia, who takes an integrative approach to treating PANS/PANDAS. Leila shares what it's like to practise in a landscape where colleagues still question whether the condition exists and why she's certain it does.</p><p>We cover a huge amount of ground — from Leila's diagnostic and treatment approach, including the ibuprofen test and what a flare protocol looks like in practice, to the role of lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, the gut microbiome and even oral hygiene in managing and preventing flares. Leila also talks about recovery, treating teenagers, and why hope is one of the most important things she can offer families.</p><p>Leila also shares details of her online courses for parents and caregivers, available at <strong>drleilamasson.com</strong></p><p>Please note this episode discusses OCD, anxiety, rages, self-harm and eating restrictions.</p><p>**As you are here, can I ask a favour?**</p><p>Calling the PANS/PANDAS community - 20 minutes of your time could shape the future of therapy for this illness 💛</p><p>We know children and families have different experiences with therapy for PANS/PANDAS. The MIND Global Council — a team of therapists, many with lived experience of the condition themselves — is researching what works, what doesn't, and why, alongside Chapman University in California. The findings will be used to build proper therapeutic guidelines.</p><p>Good experiences, bad ones, in-between ones — we want to hear it all. The more honest the responses, the better the guidelines will be for everyone who comes after us.</p><p>Please take the survey here</p><p>PARENT SURVEY<br><a href="https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W4T1lQW5qeda3Y" target="_blank">https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W4T1lQW5qeda3Y</a><br>CLINICIAN SURVEY<br><a href="https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVUFn6VjUP38OYS" target="_blank">https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVUFn6VjUP38OYS</a></p>
25 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is PANS/PANDAS STORIES?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 2 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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