Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms among youth with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) are frequently present and associated with considerable
problems in the daily functioning of the child and his/her family. Although pharmacological and psychosocial treatments exist
that target obsessive-compulsive symptoms among typically developing youth, these treatments have not been systematically
adapted and/or evaluated for this population. Furthermore, although psychotropic medications have shown promising support
in addressing obsessive-compulsive symptoms in several case reports involving youth with PWS, associated efficacy is modest
and potential for side effects is a realistic concern. Given efficacy and tolerability of cognitive-behavioral treatment for
obsessive-compulsive symptoms in typically developing youth, an adapted version of this approach may hold promise in treating
clinically problematic obsessive-compulsive symptoms in youth with PWS. Thus, we report on a case series of behavioral treatment
for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in three youth with PWS. Diagnostic and symptom severity assessments were conducted at screening,
pre-treatment, and post-treatment by a trained independent evaluator. All youth were considered treatment responders and exhibited
meaningful reductions in compulsion severity, overall obsessive-compulsive severity, and obsessive-compulsive related impairment.
These data provide preliminary evidence for the utility of behavioral therapy in treating obsessive-compulsive symptoms in
youth with PWS.
problems in the daily functioning of the child and his/her family. Although pharmacological and psychosocial treatments exist
that target obsessive-compulsive symptoms among typically developing youth, these treatments have not been systematically
adapted and/or evaluated for this population. Furthermore, although psychotropic medications have shown promising support
in addressing obsessive-compulsive symptoms in several case reports involving youth with PWS, associated efficacy is modest
and potential for side effects is a realistic concern. Given efficacy and tolerability of cognitive-behavioral treatment for
obsessive-compulsive symptoms in typically developing youth, an adapted version of this approach may hold promise in treating
clinically problematic obsessive-compulsive symptoms in youth with PWS. Thus, we report on a case series of behavioral treatment
for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in three youth with PWS. Diagnostic and symptom severity assessments were conducted at screening,
pre-treatment, and post-treatment by a trained independent evaluator. All youth were considered treatment responders and exhibited
meaningful reductions in compulsion severity, overall obsessive-compulsive severity, and obsessive-compulsive related impairment.
These data provide preliminary evidence for the utility of behavioral therapy in treating obsessive-compulsive symptoms in
youth with PWS.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10882-011-9233-5
- Authors
- Eric A. Storch, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, 800 6th Street, South, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Omar Rahman, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, 800 6th Street, South, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Jessica Morgan, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, 800 6th Street, South, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Lindsay Brauer, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Tampa, FL USA
- Jennifer Miller, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
- Tanya K. Murphy, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, 800 6th Street, South, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Journal Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Online ISSN 1573-3580
- Print ISSN 1056-263X