Hyperphagia and Behavioural and Emotional Problems
Recent UK research - Investigating the Relationship Between Hyperphagia and Behavioural and Emotional Problems in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Dr Lou Enright, Clinical Psychologist, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Dr Martha Laxton-Kane, Clinical Psychologist, Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation Trust
Dr Roshan das Nair and Dr Shirley Thomas, University of Nottingham
Background
It is well known that the primary symptom of Prader-Willi Syndrome is hyperphagia (excessive appetite), with behavioural and emotional problems also common.
In the past, the relationship between hyperphagia and behavioural problems has not been investigated. This is because reliably measuring hyperphagia is difficult. However, the ‘Hyperphagia Questionnaire'* was recently created for this. Research using this tool suggested that there could be a link between hyperphagia and behavioural problems. This study aimed to explore this further.
Method
We sent questionnaires to 350 parents and carers on a PWSA-UK database. From the responses received, information was collected on the age, gender, weight, hyperphagia and behavioural and emotional problems of 105 children aged 4-18 years (average 9.63 years).
Results
Statistical analysis revealed that age, gender and weight were not significantly associated with levels of behavioural and emotional problems. However, the level of hyperphagia was significantly associated with behavioural and emotional problems. This means that higher the level of hyperphagia, the more severe behavioural and emotional problems children displayed.
Conclusions
The findings reinforced previous research and have important implications for understanding PWS and developing more effective psychological interventions for the syndrome. Currently, hyperphagia and behavioural problems are generally treated as separate issues by medical professionals. If there is a link between the two, more comprehensive interventions could be designed which provide individuals with support with both the hyperphagia and behavioural problems at the same time, in a similar way to the psychological treatments currently offered for health problems, like chronic pain.
We would like to thank all the parents and carers who took time to complete questionnaires for this study. The results have been submitted for publication to the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. For further information, please contact the PWSA UK.
* Dykens, E.M., et al. (2007) Assessment of Hyperphagia in Prader-Willi Syndrome. Obesity 15 (7), 1816-1826.
You are welcome to distribution this information, but please acknowledge PWSA UK and the authors.
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