Emotional outcome of adolescents and young adults with early and continuously treated phenylketonuria

Abstract

Objective: To assess the emotional functioning of adolescents and young adults with early and consistently treated phenylketonuria (PKU).

Methods: Twenty PKU-affected participants, ages 14-25, were compared with age-matched chronically ill (n = 17) and peer (n = 16) controls on a structured clinical interview, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale-2. Affected participants and nonparticipants were assessed using a multidomain assessment of functioning interview.

Results: There were no significant differences between groups for observable psychiatric disorders or emotional and functional symptoms. No significant differences were found in self-concept. Although there were no differences between groups for IQ or treatment variables, PKU-affected participants were more likely than nonparticipants to have sought help for psychological concerns.

Conclusions: Results suggest that early-treated PKU-affected adolescents and young adults do not show a higher risk for psychological disturbance than appropriate controls.