[Psychological aspects of Prader-Willi syndrome. Results of a parent survey].

Forty-six parents of children and adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome reported on the social and emotional behavior of their children and on parenting stress. Standardized questionnaires were used, e.g. a German behavioral questionnaire for preschool children and the Child Behavior Checklist. The results showed a high frequency of problem behaviors, including stubbornness, temper tantrums, obsessions and underactivity. In comparison to age norms, 40% of the preschool children were socially immature and 20% had social adaptation problems. Among the school-age children 70% had social adaptation problems. More than 70% of the mothers reported a high level of parenting stress and are in need of psychological counseling.