{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Psychiatric care for people with Prader-Willi syndrome-characteristics, needs and barriers.
{Author}: Wieting J;Herrmann T;Deest-Gaubatz S;Eberlein CK;Bleich S;Frieling H;Deest M;
{Journal}: J Appl Res Intellect Disabil
{Volume}: 37
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: 2024 Jul
{Factor}: 2.162
{DOI}: 10.1111/jar.13266
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is commonly associated with intellectual disability, but also with a specific behavioural phenotype and a high predisposition to psychiatric comorbidity. This study examines the psychiatric care situation of people with PWS.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A structured online questionnaire was administered to carers of people with PWS living in Germany, asking about demographic, diagnostic and treatment parameters as well as personal experiences.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Of 77 people with PWS, 44.2% had at least one psychiatric comorbid diagnosis. The main reasons for seeking psychiatric care were emotional outbursts and aggressive behaviour. 34.9% reported that they were currently seeking psychiatric care without success. However, 32.5% of PWS had been treated with psychotropic medication, mainly antipsychotics.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Psychiatric comorbidity appears to be undertreated in PWS, especially in the ambulatory setting. Uncertainty among mental health care providers may also lead to frequent off-label use of psychotropic medications.