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Neuropsychiatric disorders in the 22q11 deletion syndrome
L Niklasson1, P Rasmussen, S Oskarsdóttir
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sweden.
Purpose:
This study was undertaken with a view to establishing the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders in the 22q11 deletion syndrome.
Methods:
Thirty-two children and young adults with genetically confirmed 22q11 deletion were given comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessments.
Results:
Altogether, 56% had a neuropsychiatric disorder. Only 6% were of normal IQ and free of physchiatric disorder. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed in 44% and 31% had an autism spectrum problem. In 16% criteria for both these diagnoses were met. Fifty-three percent had mental retardation, often with a test-profile suggesting a nonverbal learning disorder.
Conclusion:
The findings imply that a majority of children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome are in need of neuropsychiatric assessment and intervention.