Cognitive-behavioral therapy for hyperphagia in an adult with Prader-Willi Syndrome: pitfalls and challenges

Resumen

Hyperphagia is a typical characteristic in Prader-Willi Syndrome and a clinical problem when not managed appropriately. There is scarce evidence of its treatment. The actual literature targets interventions in well-developed countries, thus leaving a gap for clinical professionals to treat PWS in developing countries where the cultural and socioeconomic conditions are extremely different. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy for hyperphagia within an interdisciplinary treatment conformed by behavioral, pharmacological, dietary and exercise interventions in a 31-year-old Mexican male with Prader-Willi Syndrome and morbid obesity in a developing country context. The main results were the weight of the patient that remained relatively constant, there was a downward trend relevant to his glucose levels, a reduction of his arterial pressure levels, and behavioral changes in regard to exercise that did not maintain overtime. There are considerable limitations inherent to developing country contexts that affect the validity of treatments applied in these settings.