Anxiety Disorder or Depression in an Adult with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome carry a substantially elevated risk of anxiety disorders and depression. This page outlines the clinical situation and points to the structured management protocol.

Clinical scenario

The protocol addresses an adult with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome who has developed an anxiety disorder or depression. Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric manifestations of 22q11.2DS, occurring at roughly two to three times the prevalence expected in the general population.

Treatment approach — partial overview

The protocol involves standard pharmacologic treatment with antianxiety or antidepressant medication. Particular attention is given to dosing strategy at initiation — the complete approach, sequencing, and clinical decision points are in the full protocol.

Full regimen, targets, and algorithm available via the link below ↓

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.11.012

Most common in 22q11.2DS are anxiety disorders, with about 2 to 3 times the expected population prevalence.

This includes pharmacologic treatments, eg, antipsychotic and antianxiety/antidepressant medications, with proven efficacy.

Patients may benefit from a “start low, go slow” approach to medication dosing.

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