Behavioral problems in Silver–Russell syndrome – Case report

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study is to present two cases of Silver–Russel Syndrome patients with behavioural problems. The male is diagnosed with ADHD, and the female shows antisocial behaviour.

Background

Russell–Silver syndrome (RSS) is a rare disorder characterized by intrauterine growth retardation and postnatal growth deficiency along with a handful of common physical characteristics and a range of other symptoms.

Methods

Clinical observation, tests (EEG, psychological tests – IQ scale, JEPQ, Projective techniques) and interviews with the patients and their parents and foster parents.

Results

S.H. (20 years) – is opponent, aggressive, refuses every kind of cooperation with delayed mental development.

V.M. (10 years) – premature baby (born in the sixth month) in a 40 years old mother (second pregnancy); blind on right eye and very low vision on the left eye; lost both of his parents at the age of 1.6 in a car accident; had several operations and is always under some treatments. V.M. had low school performance. The foster parent noticed that he has an attention deficit. Besides, he is very aggressive verbally and physically, has low frustration tolerance, borderline intelligence.

Conclusion

According to several studies that claims that patients with Silver–Russel syndrome have behavioural problems and among them, the most common are attention deficit problems; our study improves that hypothesis. Both of our patients have attention deficit problems.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.