Prader-Willi syndrome and acute psychosis

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetically determined disorder, with characteristic physical and behavioural phenotypes. We describe a girl with PWS who developed a psychotic illness, and summarize the course, treatment and outcome. We suggest that the development of a psychotic illness in PWS may be an association of disorders that paediatricians and child mental health professionals should be aware of, and that the cornerstone of management of this kind of case is a multi-professional interdisciplinary approach. Important aspects of the assessment process which are occasionally overlooked are discussed.