The management of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders represents a major unmet need among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
- As part of the European BIND (Brain Involvement iN Dystrophinopathies) project, five specialist European clinicians reported on their experience in managing these disorders.
- Depending on the centre, between less than 5% and 20% of patients receive appropriate treatment.
- The specialists described clinical improvement following pharmacological intervention, particularly for ADHD, which is most commonly treated with methylphenidate.
- Pharmacological practices were less consistent for other comorbidities, such as OCD, depression or anxiety.
- Access to clinicians with the necessary skills and experience to diagnose these disorders and prescribe appropriate treatment remains very limited.
Discussions also highlighted the need for standardised assessment tools, systematic monitoring of treatment outcomes and clearer guidelines on the pharmacological management of neuropsychiatric comorbidities associated with DMD.
