Emotional outcome of adolescents and young adults with early and continuously treated phenylketonuria.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the emotional functioning of adolescents and young adults with early and consistently treated phenylketonuria (PKU).


METHODS
Twenty PKU-affected participants, ages 14-25, were compared with age-matched chronically ill (n = 17) and peer (n = 16) controls on a structured clinical interview, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale-2. Affected participants and nonparticipants were assessed using a multidomain assessment of functioning interview.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between groups for observable psychiatric disorders or emotional and functional symptoms. No significant differences were found in self-concept. Although there were no differences between groups for IQ or treatment variables, PKU-affected participants were more likely than nonparticipants to have sought help for psychological concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that early-treated PKU-affected adolescents and young adults do not show a higher risk for psychological disturbance than appropriate controls.
Sullivan
J E
JE
University of Minnesota, USA. jzsulliv@nmh.org
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010661:Phenylketonurias / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role
D010649:Phenylalanine