Pdd: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

It is also referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

It is an umbrella term for Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Atypical Autism and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

The main problems associated with all the conditions are understanding language, difficulty relating to people, unusual play skills and repetitive body movements.

Children with PDD can be treated with a combination of treatment options, including various therapies, such as play therapy, sensory integration therapy, and social skills training, although PDD has no cure, it can be treated through Medication Management, prescription drugs can be used to address specific behavioral problems. Family Outreach is often recommended as a family centered treatment for PDD in children and adults.

The disease itself is not life threatening, but there are several behavioral and societal issues associated.

Children suffering from PDD need an education specialist to examine their learning capacity, and learning disabilities if any, and to design specific education plans for them. Medical problems like seizures and constipation, are frequent and can be treated symptomatically.

Speech therapy might also be essential, and communication devices are used for the child who is non-verbal, Occupational therapists may also be important for those suffering from motor deficits and sensory processing deficits. Psychologists often help in the development of a certain kind of therapy to improve the patient’s social relationships and interactions. Often Social workers help in finding financial resources for the affected person.

Complete Medical evaluation is done before psychiatric hospitalization is even considered, Psychiatric hospitalization is only done when the safety of the patient is in question.

PDD is diagnosed when a child shows atypical social behavior, problematic motor, sensory, cognitive, visual skill development, poorly developed speech, ritualistic behavior. Such symptoms prove to be enough evidence for the doctor to confirm PDD. Early diagnosis offers the highest chance for a successful outcome, the main treatment is need based. When a child is first diagnosed with PDD, several medications are prescribed to address the various behavioral issue of the child, it is completely dependent on the child’s specific needs. Stimulants like dextroamphetimine sulfate, methylphenidate hydrochloride and pemoline maybe be prescribed for the symptoms of PDD.

Since antipsychotic medicines are used, there is a set of prerequisites, which include careful monitoring of the weight of the patient, fasting lipid profile as well as fasting plasma glucose

As previously mentioned several therapies are undertaken along with the prescription drugs, the use of therapies varies according to the need of the individual. Several individuals are in need of speech as well as physical therapy.

Every individual has different symptoms of the disorder, also because this disorder consists of several different types of syndromes, so different methods of treatment are applicable to different individuals, no two individuals are eligible for the same treatment. It varies according to their motor, visual-cognitive, sensory abilities, it also depends on their intellectual development/growth.

People suffering from some form of life threatening disease, having very mild form of a disorder are usually kept away from the prescribed antipsychotic drugs (People suffering from a mild form of disorder may still undertake therapy)

There are various side effects associated with the intake of antipsychotics.

Drowsiness

Restlessness

Weight Gain (the risk is higher with atypical antipsychotic medicines)

Dry Mouth

Constipation

Nausea

Vomiting

Muscle Stiffness

Muscle Cramping Tremors etc.

PDD is a type of disorder that includes various symptoms and is usually treated symptomatically along with therapy. Certain kind of changes in lifestyle can ensure successful treatment of PDD, which include along with the continuation of therapy and prescribed drugs, a different approach towards education, specific education programs should be designed with the help of education specialists as already mentioned, and the intellectual growth of the individual should be measured in specific intervals of time.

PDD is an incurable disease, but several treatment options are available that help in enhancing the life of the affected individuals.

For stem-cell treatment the costs can be between Rs 3 lakhs- Rs 6 lakhs

Anti-psychotic drugs can cost between Rs 500- Rs 10,000

As long as the treatment is continued, behavioral symptoms are kept at bay. As the disorder is incurable so medication is required throughout the life of the individual.