Metyrosine treatment in a woman with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and psychosis: a case study.

Background: People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) are assumed to be especially vulnerable to developing mental illness such as psychosis. Aim: The study was established to contribute to knowledge about metyrosine medication in patients with 22q11.2 DS and psychosis.
Methods: A case study was established including a woman with intellectual disability, 22q11.2 DS, and psychosis. Metyrosine medication was implemented, as conventional anti-psychotic medication was unsuccessful.
Results: Effect of metyrosine medication included both psychotic symptom relief with decreased aggressive behaviour. Adjunctive milieu therapy contributed to complience.
Conclusion: For patients with 22q11.2 DS and psychosis, metyrosine medication may prove effective. However, there are significant ethical dilemmas related to metyrosine medication for psychotic symptoms. © The British Society of Developmental Disabilities 2017.