Non-pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome; a systematic review.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with high rates of anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. In the general population, psychiatric disorders are treated with proven pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). To begin to assess the feasibility and efficacy of non-pharmacological therapies in 22q11.2DS, we performed a systematic search to identify literature on non-pharmacological interventions for psychiatric disorders in individuals with 22q11.2DS. Of 1,240 individual publications up to mid-2016 initially identified, 11 met inclusion criteria. There were five literature reviews, five publications reporting original research (two originating from a single study), and one publication not fitting either category that suggested adaptations to an intervention without providing scientific evidence. None of the original research involved direct study of the evidence-based non-pharmacological therapies available for psychiatric disorders. Rather, these four studies involved computer-based or group interventions aimed at improving neuropsychological deficits that may be associated with psychiatric disorders. Although the sample sizes were relatively small (maximum 28 participants in the intervention group), these reports documented the promising feasibility of these interventions, and improvements in domains of neuropsychological functioning, including working memory, attention, and social cognition. The results of this review underline the need for research into the feasibility and efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments of psychiatric disorders in individuals with 22q11.2DS to inform clinical care, using larger samples, and optimally, standard randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials methodology.

Internet Safety Issues for Adolescents and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Research on Internet safety for adolescents has identified several important issues including unwanted exposure to sexual material and sexual solicitation. METHODS: Although individuals with intellectual disabilities often have poor insight and judgment, and may therefore be at risk for Internet dangers, there is surprisingly little published on this topic. RESULTS: To illustrate Internet dangers that adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities may face, we report composite case vignettes, based on actual clinical cases of adolescents and adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. CONCLUSION: We encourage clinicians to discuss Internet safety in their practice and provide recommendations for future research subjects.