Page 199 - Characterization of genetic neurodevelopmental disorders at adult age, with a focus on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome - Emma Boersma

Post-traumatic stress in 22q11.2DS
available clinical reports. As a consequence, PTSD prevalence may still
have been underestimated.6 On the other hand, bias towards patients with
22q11.2DS with more severe mental health problems is possible, given
that all patients were referred to a 22q11.2DS specialty clinic. Prospective
studies are needed to replicate our findings, to further explore the risk of
trauma, and to assess the effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments and
resilience in 22q11.2DS.
Conclusions
In conclusion, PTSD and traumatic events appear to be more prevalent than
previously assumed in adults with 22q11.2DS. Clinicians and other caregivers
should thus be alert to PTSD in 22q11.2DS in order to minimize psychiatric
burden with reduced quality of life. Systematic studies in individuals with
22q11.2DS are needed to improve diagnosis, using strategies adjusted
to their strengths and weaknesses and including attention to seemingly
unimportant life events that may be traumatic, and evaluate the efficacy of
treatments in this population.
Declaration of interest
Declaration of Interest: None.
Funding
This work was supported financially by Stichting Wetenschappelijk
Onderzoek, ‘s Heeren Loo (#2210100).
Data-availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the
corresponding author, EB, upon reasonable request.
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