Neuropsychiatric disorders in the 22q11 deletion syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken with a view to establishing the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders in the 22q11 deletion syndrome.


METHODS
Thirty-two children and young adults with genetically confirmed 22q11 deletion were given comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessments.


RESULTS
Altogether, 56% had a neuropsychiatric disorder. Only 6% were of normal IQ and free of physchiatric disorder. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed in 44% and 31% had an autism spectrum problem. In 16% criteria for both these diagnoses were met. Fifty-three percent had mental retardation, often with a test-profile suggesting a nonverbal learning disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings imply that a majority of children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome are in need of neuropsychiatric assessment and intervention.
Niklasson
L
L
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sweden.
Rasmussen
P
P
Oskarsdóttir
S
S
Gillberg
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D002892:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests