Alagille Syndrome: A Case Report Highlighting Dysmorphic Facies, Chronic Illness, and Depression
James J Bresnahan1, Zachary A Winthrop1, Rabia Salman2
1The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
Case Reports in Psychiatry
|December 27, 2016
Summary
Alagille syndrome, a rare disorder, can present with psychiatric issues like depression and anxiety. This case report highlights the need for recognizing these manifestations in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Alagille syndrome is a rare, inherited, multisystem disorder affecting the liver, heart, vertebrae, eyes, and face.
- It shares phenotypic similarities with other childhood illnesses known to have psychiatric links.
- Psychiatric manifestations in Alagille syndrome are under-documented in existing literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a pediatric patient with Alagille syndrome presenting with significant psychiatric conditions.
- To highlight the potential psychiatric comorbidities associated with Alagille syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 12-year-old female patient admitted to a pediatric psychiatric hospital.
- Detailed psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis of presenting conditions.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited suicidal ideation with intent and a plan.
- Diagnoses included major depressive disorder, anxiety, other specified feeding and eating disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Conclusions:
- Alagille syndrome may be associated with a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including severe depression and anxiety.
- Further research and clinical awareness are needed to address the psychiatric needs of individuals with Alagille syndrome.
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