What behavioral problems might be exhibited in a child who is diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome?

Characteristic behavioral disturbances in PWS include excessive interest in food, skin picking, difficulty with a change in routine, temper tantrums, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, and mood fluctuations.

How does Prader-Willi syndrome affect a person?

People with Prader-Willi syndrome typically have mild to moderate intellectual impairment and learning disabilities. Behavioral problems are common, including temper outbursts, stubbornness, and compulsive behavior such as picking at the skin. Sleep abnormalities can also occur.

What is it like to live with Prader-Willi syndrome?

Olivia shows many of the typical signs of living with Prader-Willi: a chronic feeling of hunger, low muscle tone, cognitive disabilities, problem behaviors and frequent skin picking.

How do you know if someone has Prader-Willi syndrome?

Symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome an excessive appetite and overeating, which can easily lead to dangerous weight gain. restricted growth (children are much shorter than average) floppiness caused by weak muscles (hypotonia) learning difficulties.

How does mental health affect people with Prader Willi syndrome?

Mental health and behavioral problems are a significant challenge for many individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and can have a significant impact on quality of life and independence for both the person with PWS and their family.

Can a child with Prader Willi show challenging behaviours?

There is a slightly higher risk that children and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome will show some behaviours that challenge but we now have a very good understanding of why these behaviours occur and what we can do.

What kind of mental health problems can PWS cause?

People with PWS are at a higher risk of developing depression, bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms particularly while in their teens and young adulthood. Below, we will share how to identify changes in mental health, where you can go to get help and how to begin treatment, along with special considerations for people with PWS.

Which is an example of a challenging behaviour?

Behaviours that challenge are usually used to describe behaviours such as self-injury, aggression, shouting and screaming, although it can include other behaviours such as skin-picking and temper outbursts in Prader-Willi syndrome. It refers to behaviours that the majority of people find difficult to watch.