Eating Disorder: Prader Willi Syndrome
An eating disorder termed as the Prader Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which is characterized by hyperphagia. Hyperphagia is the uncontrollable urge for an excessive appetite. It has its onset right from the birth with hypotonia, that is, a deformed muscle structure which results in small or short hands and legs of the child. This eating disorder also involves severe psychiatric problems, learning disabilities and behavioral issues such as temper tantrums. Another risk that is associated with this eating disorder is obesity which may be a result of hyperphagia or the uncontrollable appetite. Because these individuals are never satisfied as far as their hunger is concerned.
The major cause of this eating disorder happen to be ”hypothalamic pituitary abnormalities” according to a summary report at http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=739 .
The hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities associated with this eating disorder are actually the dysfunction of a part of the brain called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and other body functions such as childbirth and growth, weight and appetite, emotions, sleep, body temperature and other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, etc. Therefore the hormonal imbalances and the problems which occur in these glands affect the hypothalamus, resulting in different symptoms, one of which is the prader willi syndrome. Other symptoms due to the dysfunction of the hypothalamus are genetic disorders, malnutrition, trauma, infections, etc.
This condition needs both medical intervention as well as moral supervision because of the compulsion in their appetite. Medical intervention should be sought in the form of psychiatric consultations. After examination, if hormonal imbalance is thought to be the cause, the general medical practitioner would be of help to guide you. Replacement therapies would be advised in some cases.
This is a rare condition and affects children of almost any ethnicity. There is no cure for this condition and therefore the symptoms have to be managed for a lifetime. It becomes a challenge for the parents to deal with the temperament of such children in view of the appetite, behavioral issues, learning and understanding difficulties associated with this disorder.
The major cause of this eating disorder happen to be ”hypothalamic pituitary abnormalities” according to a summary report at http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=739 .
The hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities associated with this eating disorder are actually the dysfunction of a part of the brain called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and other body functions such as childbirth and growth, weight and appetite, emotions, sleep, body temperature and other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, etc. Therefore the hormonal imbalances and the problems which occur in these glands affect the hypothalamus, resulting in different symptoms, one of which is the prader willi syndrome. Other symptoms due to the dysfunction of the hypothalamus are genetic disorders, malnutrition, trauma, infections, etc.
This condition needs both medical intervention as well as moral supervision because of the compulsion in their appetite. Medical intervention should be sought in the form of psychiatric consultations. After examination, if hormonal imbalance is thought to be the cause, the general medical practitioner would be of help to guide you. Replacement therapies would be advised in some cases.
This is a rare condition and affects children of almost any ethnicity. There is no cure for this condition and therefore the symptoms have to be managed for a lifetime. It becomes a challenge for the parents to deal with the temperament of such children in view of the appetite, behavioral issues, learning and understanding difficulties associated with this disorder.
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