Susan Swedo

Susan Swedo

Nationality	American
Known for	PANDAS, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections

Susan Swedo is an American pediatrician and psychiatrist renowned for her pioneering work in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders in children. She is best known for her research on PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), a condition she first described in the 1990s.

Early Life and Education

Susan Swedo was born in the United States. She pursued her medical education and training in pediatrics and psychiatry, although specific details about her early life and educational background are not widely documented.

Career

Dr. Swedo has spent a significant portion of her career at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), where she has conducted extensive research on childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. Her work has focused on understanding the biological and immunological underpinnings of these conditions.

PANDAS Research

In the 1990s, Dr. Swedo and her colleagues at NIMH identified a subset of children who developed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders following streptococcal infections. This led to the hypothesis that these neuropsychiatric symptoms were triggered by an autoimmune response to the infection, which they termed PANDAS.

The PANDAS hypothesis suggests that antibodies produced in response to a streptococcal infection mistakenly attack the basal ganglia, a part of the brain involved in movement and behavior regulation. This autoimmune reaction is thought to result in the sudden onset of OCD and tic symptoms.

Impact and Controversy

Dr. Swedo's work on PANDAS has been both influential and controversial. While some clinicians and researchers have embraced the PANDAS hypothesis, others have questioned its validity, citing a lack of consistent evidence and the challenges in diagnosing the condition. Despite the controversy, Dr. Swedo's research has spurred further investigation into the role of infections and immune responses in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Publications and Contributions

Dr. Swedo has authored numerous scientific papers and book chapters on PANDAS and related topics. Her work has contributed significantly to the understanding of the intersection between infectious diseases and psychiatric conditions in children.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Swedo has received several awards and honors for her contributions to pediatric psychiatry and her groundbreaking research on PANDAS.

Also see

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Tic disorder
• Autoimmune disease
• Basal ganglia
• National Institute of Mental Health