Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Disorders and the Use of Psychotropic Medications in a National Sample of Individuals With Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, linked to mutations in the ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal 3 (CLN3) gene, is a childhood-onset neurodegenerative disorder. Although mood and behavioral symptoms are described in this group, it's unclear whether these meet diagnostic criteria. We investigated the occurrence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in a nationally representative sample, using a semistructured psychiatric interview, as well as the use of psychotropic medication. Ten of 20 individuals met the criteria for one or more current diagnoses, with an additional 5 having past diagnoses, resulting in a lifetime occurrence in 15 individuals. Anxiety disorders were the most frequent diagnostic group, followed by neurodevelopmental disorders. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was the most common single diagnosis. Subthreshold psychiatric symptoms were present in all individuals. Although psychiatric disorders were frequent, few used psychotropic medication. These findings underscore the need for routine monitoring of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in individuals with CLN3 and the provision of evidence-based treatments.