Abstract
Co-morbid anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), are highly prevalent among individuals with Williams syndrome (WS). However, reports of the pharmacologic treatment of only a limited number of previous anxiety disorders in WS have appeared in the literature. Here, we review the case histories of three adolescents/young adults with WS and the treatment course of co-morbid GAD with buspirone. Treatment with buspirone was well-tolerated and resulted in sustained response in all three cases. Common medical disorders in WS are highlighted with regards to safe and appropriate pharmacologic treatment of GAD. Buspirone’s generally benign side effect profile is a major benefit of its use for treating GAD in individuals with WS.
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This work was funded by the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation.
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RPT, CJK and CJM drafted the manuscript. CJM performed the ratings of the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale with the mother of each subject. RPT, CJK, JLW, BRP and CJM reviewed the final version of the manuscript and gave approval for its submission.
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Drs. Thom, Pober and McDougle and Ms. Waxler declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Dr. Keary has been a compensated consultant, served on a scientific advisory board and received research support from Ovid Therapeutics.
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Thom, R.P., Keary, C.J., Waxler, J.L. et al. Buspirone for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Williams Syndrome: A Case Series. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 676–682 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04301-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04301-9