Anxiety in adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome

Royston, Rachel Emma (2019). Anxiety in adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Anxiety in adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome (WS) was explored across a series of studies. Individuals with WS were identified as being at a higher risk of anxiety disorders compared to individuals with intellectual disability and the general population, with anxiety estimated to affect half of the WS population. The phenomenology of anxiety in WS was also investigated using bottom up methodology, outlining associated triggers, behaviours and maintenance factors. A further study documents a cross-syndrome comparison of mental health correlates in WS, fragile X syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, finding between-group differences and a relationship between sensory processing impairments and health problems with general psychiatric disorder specifically in individuals with WS. The utility of multiple methodologies in the assessment of anxiety and associations between anxiety and the psychological mechanism, an intolerance of uncertainty, were also identified. Overall, these findings highlight the merit and individual contributions of multiple methodologies in the assessment of anxiety. The studies also outline the profile of anxiety in WS, which seems to reflect typical standardised conceptualisations of anxiety. Moreover, the empirical work reported contributes to the development of a causal model of anxiety, further delineating the pathways from gene disorders to emotions and behaviour in WS.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):