Final answer:
Feeding improves in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome around 24 months, and hyperphagia starts between 4 to 6 years. Hallmarks include specific facial features and an extreme food obsession due to hypothalamic abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the childhood stage of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), feeding improves around the age of 24 months. Between ages 4 to 6, hyperphagia symptoms begin. Noticeable differences between the size of hands and feet are observed. Almond-shaped eyes, narrow forehead, and full cheeks become noticeable features. Severe food obsession is also a significant symptom in individuals with this condition. Prader-Willi Syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hunger, obesity, cognitive deficits, and emotional problems. Infants with PWS often display lack of muscle tone and poor sucking behavior as early signs. During the ages of 6 to 12 months, developmental delays start to emerge.
It is in mid-childhood that the hallmark symptom of uncontrollable hunger, or hyperphagia, manifests, leading to the need for strict supervision around food. PWS is caused by the loss of function of certain genes on chromosome 15. Unfortunately, there is no current cure for PWS, but managing weight can significantly increase life expectancy. Treatments include growth hormones and psychoactive medications, aiming to enhance life quality. The hypothalamic abnormalities underlying PWS interfere with hunger regulation and may impact sexual maturity during adolescence. Understanding the physical and behavioral symptoms of PWS enables better management and supports these individuals' needs.