22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), also known as Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, is a common genetic disorder, occurring in at least 1:4000 live births. It is associated with a specific medical, cognitive, and clinical phenotype, although a high degree of heterogeneity is observed between patients. In particular, this condition is now recognized as one of the highest known risk factors for schizophrenia and is considered as a model for understanding the development of psychosis.
This symposium is aimed for clinicians or researchers who are not familiar with 22q11DS and who would like to improve their knowledge of this condition. The four speakers will perform a joint presentation covering recent findings regarding the following topics:
- frequent medical, cognitive, and clinical characteristics
- assessment of attenuated symptoms of psychosis in 22q11DS
- risk factors associated with transition to psychosis
- marital and vocational outcome
- pharmacological and psychosocial interventions