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Stressor-related disorders in tuberous sclerosis
Susana Boronat1, Agnies M Van Eeghen, Julianna E Shinnick
1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) experience prolonged stressor-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder (AD). These conditions often persist beyond six months and may stem from non-traditional trauma triggers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is associated with high rates of psychiatric comorbidities.
- Mood and anxiety disorders are common in individuals with TSC.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify patients with stressor-related disorders (PTSD, AD) within the TSC population.
- Describe the clinical presentation of these disorders in TSC patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical charts.
- Focus on TSC patients referred to a psychiatric clinic for stressor-related disorders.
Main Results:
- Seven females and two males were identified, with 3 diagnosed with PTSD and 6 with Adjustment Disorder (AD).
- Symptoms persisted beyond six months for all patients initially diagnosed with AD, leading to reclassification.
- Aggression was observed in patients with severe intellectual disability; avoidance was more common otherwise.
Conclusions:
- Stressor-related disorders in TSC patients frequently exceed six months in duration.
- Triggers for these disorders may not be conventionally considered traumatic.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) showed efficacy in symptom management.
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