Prader-Willi syndrome in a large sample from Spain: general features, obesity and regular use of psychotropic medication.

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetically determined disorder, the most frequent cause of early onset obesity, is associated with physical and cognitive dysfunctions and behavioural disturbances; these disturbances are frequently treated with psychotropic medication. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the characteristics of the first large national sample of persons with PWS in Spain and analyse the relationships of those characteristics with key demographic and clinical factors, particularly with obesity and the regular use of psychotropic medication.

Methods: Participants were recruited among all members of the Spanish Prader-Willi Association who agreed to take part in the study and fulfilled its inclusion criteria.