Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders

Bipolar disorder: A psychiatric comorbidity in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, a case series

15^th International Conference on Obesity Medicine
October 30-31, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand

Katherine Callaghan and Michael Nevid

Stony Brook University School of Medicine, USA Winthrop University Hospital, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Obes Eat Disord

DOI: 10.21767/2471-8203-C1-006

Abstract

Case Presentation: Here we present 5 cases of pediatric and adolescent patients with PWS who exhibited episodic manic or hypomanic symptoms indicative of bipolarity. We subsequently discuss the individual treatment regimens of each patient. Literature Review: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by loss of function on chromosome 15 (q11-q13). Baseline behavioral problems such as preoccupation with food or skin picking can make psychiatric diagnoses difficult to recognize in this population. Obsessive-compulsive tendencies and aggression are well known psychiatric illnesses seen in younger PWS populations. Autism spectrum diagnoses have been noted as well. However, little has been reported on the pediatric and adolescent population regarding bipolarity. In regards to treatment of psychiatric comorbidity, SSRIs have had efficacy in limiting obsessive compulsive and aggressive symptoms in some patients. For psychotic episodes, atypical antipsychotics have had some success, as well as lithium for cycloid psychosis in adults. Regardless of diagnosis, psychiatric comorbidity is an atypical feature of PWS10. When it does occur, individualized treatment should be explored to address these issues for optimization of patient health. Clinical Significance: We have shown that bipolarity can be seen in pediatric and adolescent patients with PWS. The use of the antipsychotic Ziprasidone in these patients has helped to prevent further manic episodes. Ziprasidone, a weight neutral atypical, may be a better option than other atypicals when considering hyperphagia in PWS patients.

Biography

Katherine Callaghan is currently a Medical student at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. She has obtained BS from Cornell University and is currently pursuing her Ph.d in developmental and behavioral pediatrics.