Williams Syndrome

Primer

Williams Syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability, facial dysmorphia, hypercalcemia, and cardiac defects. Individuals have an outgoing personality, and interact readily with strangers.

Psychiatric Symptoms

The most common psychiatric disorders found in Williams syndrome have been reported mainly in children and include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 65%, Specific Phobia in 43%, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in up to 24% of cases.[1][2][3]

Pathophysiology

The syndrome is caused by a chromosome 7q11.2 deletion.

References

1) Urgeles D, Alonso V, Ramos-Moreno T. Neuropsychiatric and Behavioral Profiles of 2 Adults With Williams Syndrome: Response to Antidepressant Intake. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. 2013;15(4)
2) Stinton, Chris, Sarah Elison, and Patricia Howlin. "Mental health problems in adults with Williams syndrome." American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities 115.1 (2010): 3-18.
3) Leyfer, O. T., Woodruff‐Borden, J., Klein‐Tasman, B. P., Fricke, J. S., & Mervis, C. B. (2006). Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in 4 to 16‐year‐olds with Williams syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 141(6), 615-622.