Phenylketonuria and some aspects of emotional development

Early dietary treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) prevents intellectual retardation and gross neurological impairment although not all neuropsychological problems. This study investigates to what extent the illness and its treatment imposes a burden on emotional development of early-treated PKU patients and on rearing practices of their parents. It is concluded that in early-treated PKU it is particularly difficult to find constructive ways to adapt to the situation for children as well as for parents. As coping with PKU and its treatment is so complicated, paediatric control should be combined with psychocounselling.