Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data

Abstract Introduction Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with hyperphagia and early onset obesity, growth and sex hormone insufficiencies, mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, and behavioral challenges such as compulsivity, anxiety, skin picki...

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Main Authors: Analise Peleggi, Jessica Bohonowych, Theresa V. Strong, Lauren Schwartz, Soo-Jeong Kim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-09-01
Series:BMC Psychiatry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03436-3
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author Analise Peleggi
Jessica Bohonowych
Theresa V. Strong
Lauren Schwartz
Soo-Jeong Kim
author_facet Analise Peleggi
Jessica Bohonowych
Theresa V. Strong
Lauren Schwartz
Soo-Jeong Kim
author_sort Analise Peleggi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with hyperphagia and early onset obesity, growth and sex hormone insufficiencies, mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, and behavioral challenges such as compulsivity, anxiety, skin picking, social skills deficits and temper outbursts. Given high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and potential risk factors for suicide in PWS, this study sought a first estimate of the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA) in the PWS population and any characteristics associated with suicidality in this population. Methods Using the Global Prader-Willi Syndrome Registry, we included all participants who had answered a question about SI. We examined the most recent data from the surveys about social, economic, and demographic factors, genetic subtype, and psychiatric symptoms and treatments. A chi-square analysis was used to compare registry participants who reported SI to those without reported SI. Results From 750 included survey respondents, 94 (12.5%) endorsed some history of SI. Of these, 25 (26.6%) also reported a history of SA, with an average age of 16.25 years at their first attempt. Those with a history of SI were predominantly male and adult age, and had higher rates of aggression and psychiatric comorbidities, therapies, and medications. Conclusions This study indicates that the rate of SI and SA in PWS is comparable to the general population, and that suicide attempts in PWS typically begin in middle-teenage years. Despite unique challenges, individuals with PWS and their caregivers should be included in screens and psychoeducation for suicide and mental health concerns.
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spelling doaj.art-7b878ba086364b88b73f2c41c7c4d1622022-12-21T23:30:03ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2021-09-012111910.1186/s12888-021-03436-3Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey dataAnalise Peleggi0Jessica Bohonowych1Theresa V. Strong2Lauren Schwartz3Soo-Jeong Kim4Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonFoundation for Prader-Willi ResearchFoundation for Prader-Willi ResearchFoundation for Prader-Willi ResearchDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonAbstract Introduction Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with hyperphagia and early onset obesity, growth and sex hormone insufficiencies, mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, and behavioral challenges such as compulsivity, anxiety, skin picking, social skills deficits and temper outbursts. Given high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and potential risk factors for suicide in PWS, this study sought a first estimate of the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA) in the PWS population and any characteristics associated with suicidality in this population. Methods Using the Global Prader-Willi Syndrome Registry, we included all participants who had answered a question about SI. We examined the most recent data from the surveys about social, economic, and demographic factors, genetic subtype, and psychiatric symptoms and treatments. A chi-square analysis was used to compare registry participants who reported SI to those without reported SI. Results From 750 included survey respondents, 94 (12.5%) endorsed some history of SI. Of these, 25 (26.6%) also reported a history of SA, with an average age of 16.25 years at their first attempt. Those with a history of SI were predominantly male and adult age, and had higher rates of aggression and psychiatric comorbidities, therapies, and medications. Conclusions This study indicates that the rate of SI and SA in PWS is comparable to the general population, and that suicide attempts in PWS typically begin in middle-teenage years. Despite unique challenges, individuals with PWS and their caregivers should be included in screens and psychoeducation for suicide and mental health concerns.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03436-3Prader-Willi syndromePWSSuicidality
spellingShingle Analise Peleggi
Jessica Bohonowych
Theresa V. Strong
Lauren Schwartz
Soo-Jeong Kim
Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data
BMC Psychiatry
Prader-Willi syndrome
PWS
Suicidality
title Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data
title_full Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data
title_fullStr Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data
title_full_unstemmed Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data
title_short Suicidality in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of registry survey data
title_sort suicidality in individuals with prader willi syndrome a review of registry survey data
topic Prader-Willi syndrome
PWS
Suicidality
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03436-3
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