Buspirone for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Williams Syndrome: A Case Series

J Autism Dev Disord. 2020 Feb;50(2):676-682. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04301-9.

Abstract

Co-morbid anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), are highly prevalent among individuals with Williams syndrome (WS). However, reports of the pharmacologic treatment of only a limited number of previous anxiety disorders in WS have appeared in the literature. Here, we review the case histories of three adolescents/young adults with WS and the treatment course of co-morbid GAD with buspirone. Treatment with buspirone was well-tolerated and resulted in sustained response in all three cases. Common medical disorders in WS are highlighted with regards to safe and appropriate pharmacologic treatment of GAD. Buspirone's generally benign side effect profile is a major benefit of its use for treating GAD in individuals with WS.

Keywords: Anxiety; Buspirone; Williams syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anxiety Disorders / complications*
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Buspirone / therapeutic use*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Williams Syndrome / complications*
  • Williams Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Williams Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Buspirone