Prader-Willi Syndrome free essay sample

Prader-Willi Syndrome: An Investigation into Paternal and Maternal Origins Characteristics Abigail McNeal Liberty University COUN 502- Professor Myers August 15, 2011 Abstract Prader-Willi syndrome, (PWS) is a genetic disorder that occurs in about one in every eight thousand births in the United States. PWS occurs when there is a defect or deletion in the fifteenth chromosome from either maternal or paternal origins. Individuals diagnosed with PWS need enhanced supervision to address the constant need to over eat. Current research identifies that the paternal chromosome presents with significant maladaptive behaviors. Behavioral issues commonly known to the disorder differ dependent on the origin of the parental chromosome. Obesity, physical aggression, temper tantrums, ritualistic behaviors, stubbornness, and self- injurious behavior (skin picking), along with other maladaptive behaviors are all characteristic of individuals with PWS. Due to an increased awareness, and accurate and reliable genetic testing, diagnosis of PWS occurs earlier than in the past. Recommendations for conducting assessments, applying behavior management strategies, and environmental adaptations are all supported by research in managing behaviors among individuals with PWS regardless of the origins. We will write a custom essay sample on Prader-Willi Syndrome or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Keywords: Prader-Willi syndrome, obesity, self-injurious behaviors, skin picking Prader-Willi Syndrome Every year in the United States, one in every sixteen thousand babies are born with PWS. PWS is the first human disease attributed to genomic imprinting (Mahgoub 2007). PWS according to Maas, Sinnema, Didden, Maaskant, Smits, Schrandel-Stumpel Curfs (2010), is caused by a deletion or defect on chromosome fifteen of the paternal copy of a maternally imprinted gene. Infants with PWS have difficulty latching on to their mother’s nipple for nursing and sucking from a bottle; both resulting in alternate feeding methods to increase weight gain. According to Kundert (2008), â€Å"Two distinct eating disorders, failure to thrive [in infancy] and later overeating, are found in PWS†.