Work

Effects of a combined neuropsychological and cognitive behavioral group therapy on young adults with Fragile X Syndrome: An explorative study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to intellectual disability (ID) along with cognitive-behavioral difficulties. Research on psychosocial treatments in individuals FXS and ID is still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined neuropsychological and cognitive behavioral group therapy (nCBT) among young adults with FXS. Ten young adults diagnosed with FXS took part in the second stage intervention of "Corp-osa-Mente" (CoM II), a group nCBT program previously outlined by Montanaro and colleagues in an earlier study, with the participants being the same as in the previous research. This report details the outcomes of an additional twelve-month group sections aimed at enhancing the ability to manage emotions and the socio-communicative skills of these young adults. Caregivers completed measures of adaptive functioning, emotional and behavior problems, executive function, communication skills and family quality of life at pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1). CoM II showed a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms from T0 to T1, along with increased socio-pragmatic and communication skills from pre-test to post-test intervention. Additionally, our analysis revealed improvements in the adapative behavior of participants and in the family quality of life. These preliminary findings suggest that young adults with FXS and ID experienced positive outcomes through participation in CoM II, a group nCBT. However, it is recommended to undertake additional methodologically rigorous studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to substantiate these initially promising findings. • Empirical studies on the effectiveness of behavioral treatments among patients with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) are lacking. • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in young adults with ID is feasible. • This research evaluated whether CBT could be effective for the treatment of clinical manifestations of young adults FXS. • The intervention resulted effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving participants' adaptive functioning and QoL.

Source: Research in Developmental Disabilities

DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104839

Authors: Federica Alice Maria Montanaro, Paolo Alfieri, Cristina Caciolo, Giuseppina Spano, Andrea Bosco, Stefano Vicari

Institutions: Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Language: English

Topic: Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,460