Psychiatric comorbidity and treatment response in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

Behavioral and psychiatric comorbidity are common in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), but information regarding psychopharmacologic management is lacking.

We reviewed clinical records of patients evaluated over a 20-month period at a large, quaternary referral center specializing in the comprehensive management of patients with TSC. Data were collected regarding psychiatric diagnoses, psychopharmacologic medications used to treat these disorders, and clinical response to treatment at follow-up.

There were 113 encounters by 62 pediatric and adult patients with TSC, which were included in the present analysis. Behavioral and anxiety disorders were most prevalent, as were autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants with mood-stabilizing properties were the most often prescribed psychoactive medications and were associated with an overall improvement or stabilization of psychiatric symptoms 65% of the time.

Psychiatric comorbidity, especially behavioral disorders, is very common among patients with TSC. Pharmacologic treatment can be very effective and should be considered for optimal disease management in affected individuals.