Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data

Introduction Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with hyperphagia and early onset obesity, growth and sex hormone insufficiencies, mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, and behavioral challenges such as compulsivity, anxiety, skin picking, socia...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC psychiatry 2021-09, Vol.21 (1), p.1-438, Article 438
Main Authors: Peleggi, Analise, Bohonowych, Jessica, Strong, Theresa V, Schwartz, Lauren, Kim, Soo-Jeong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Chi-square test
Child & adolescent psychiatry
Comorbidity
Diagnosis
Gender differences
Genetic disorders
Hyperphagia
Intellectual disabilities
Mental disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Polls & surveys
Prader-Willi syndrome
Psychiatry
Psychological aspects
Psychosis
PWS
Risk factors
Self destructive behavior
Sex hormones
Suicidal behavior
Suicidality
Suicide
Suicides & suicide attempts
Teenagers
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Introduction Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with hyperphagia and early onset obesity, growth and sex hormone insufficiencies, mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, and behavioral challenges such as compulsivity, anxiety, skin picking, social skills deficits and temper outbursts. Given high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and potential risk factors for suicide in PWS, this study sought a first estimate of the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA) in the PWS population and any characteristics associated with suicidality in this population. Methods Using the Global Prader-Willi Syndrome Registry, we included all participants who had answered a question about SI. We examined the most recent data from the surveys about social, economic, and demographic factors, genetic subtype, and psychiatric symptoms and treatments. A chi-square analysis was used to compare registry participants who reported SI to those without reported SI. Results From 750 included survey respondents, 94 (12.5%) endorsed some history of SI. Of these, 25 (26.6%) also reported a history of SA, with an average age of 16.25 years at their first attempt. Those with a history of SI were predominantly male and adult age, and had higher rates of aggression and psychiatric comorbidities, therapies, and medications. Conclusions This study indicates that the rate of SI and SA in PWS is comparable to the general population, and that suicide attempts in PWS typically begin in middle-teenage years. Despite unique challenges, individuals with PWS and their caregivers should be included in screens and psychoeducation for suicide and mental health concerns. Keywords: Prader-Willi syndrome, PWS, Suicidality
ISSN:1471-244X
1471-244X
DOI:10.1186/s12888-021-03436-3