Interviews for "Living with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) – a Qualitative Study of Children’s Experiences in Sweden"

Children with PANS

The recruitment of children and adolescents diagnosed with PANS was done via advertisement on the websites of patient organizations, and in waiting rooms at child and youth medical clinics. Inclusion criteria for participation were children and youth aged 10 to 18 years, with a formal diagnosis of PANS. Participants varied in terms of the child’s age at the time of the interview as well as at the time of diagnosis, the course of the symptoms (i.e. episodic or chronic-static), the illness severity, treatment experiences, and sociocultural background. Participants also varied in what region of Sweden they lived in, as well as if they lived in rural villages or midsize or large cities. The variation in the regions of residence is relevant in the Swedish context, as every region has its own healthcare system.