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Psychiatric symptoms in alpha-mannosidosis
D Malm1, J Pantel, O M Linaker
1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University Hospital of Tromsoe, Norway. dag.malm@unn.no
Alpha-mannosidosis patients may experience psychiatric symptoms like confusion and depression, often triggered by stressors. These episodes, potentially affecting 25% of patients, require proper diagnosis and support, not dismissal as intellectual disability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Alpha-mannosidosis is a rare genetic disorder.
- Characterized by intellectual disability, hearing loss, and skeletal issues.
- Psychiatric manifestations are not well-documented.
Observation:
- A panel of nine alpha-mannosidosis patients with psychiatric symptoms is presented.
- Symptoms include confusion, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, and depression, often following stressors.
- Episodes are episodic, lasting 3-12 weeks, with recovery periods.
Findings:
- Psychiatric symptoms may affect up to 25% of alpha-mannosidosis patients.
- Onset typically occurs in late puberty/early adolescence.
- Episodes can be recurrent and may be more prevalent in females.
Implications:
- Alpha-mannosidosis is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric symptoms.
- These symptoms should be investigated and treated, not attributed solely to intellectual disability.
- Further research is needed to understand the benefits of psychotropic medications.
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