Treating the Whole Child: PANS/PANDAS, Neuroinflammation & Hope with Dr. Leila Mason

((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))

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.

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.

Leila also shares details of her online courses for parents and caregivers, available at drleilamasson.com

Please note this episode discusses OCD, anxiety, rages, self-harm and eating restrictions.

**As you are here, can I ask a favour?**

Calling the PANS/PANDAS community - 20 minutes of your time could shape the future of therapy for this illness 💛

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.

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.

Please take the survey here

PARENT SURVEY
https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W4T1lQW5qeda3Y
CLINICIAN SURVEY
https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVUFn6VjUP38OYS

PANS/PANDAS Stories was co-created by Jo Joyner and Lucy McDonald. It is hosted by Lucy, a child and adolescent psychotherapist with a special interest in PANS/PANDAS. She sees children, teens and families in Harley Street, Kew and online.

Take her online PANS PANDAS course for parents. More info https://lucy-mcdonald.com.

This podcast does not replace medical advice.