Metyrosine treatment in a woman with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and psychosis: a case study

Abstract

Background: People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) are assumed to be especially vulnerable to developing mental illness such as psychosis.

Aim: The study was established to contribute to knowledge about metyrosine medication in patients with 22q11.2 DS and psychosis.

Methods: A case study was established including a woman with intellectual disability, 22q11.2 DS, and psychosis. Metyrosine medication was implemented, as conventional anti-psychotic medication was unsuccessful.

Results: Effect of metyrosine medication included both psychotic symptom relief with decreased aggressive behaviour. Adjunctive milieu therapy contributed to complience.

Conclusion: For patients with 22q11.2 DS and psychosis, metyrosine medication may prove effective. However, there are significant ethical dilemmas related to metyrosine medication for psychotic symptoms.

Keywords:

• 22q11.2 deletion Syndrome
• intellectual disability
• psychosis
• psychotropic medication

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the patient’s parents for their cooperation and important contributions to this article. We would also like to thank staff members in the specialized inpatient unit for scoring the ABC checklist.