THE LAURENCE-MOON-BIEDL SYNDROME
Abstract
The Laurence-Moon-Biedi syndrome is an ill-defined symptom complex usually presenting the signs of obesity, hypogenitalism, retinitis pigmentosa, polydactyly and mental deficiency. The case reported here is the first presented to a psychiatric hospital as a behavior disorder. In addition, this same patient, on the basis of behavior, physical appearance and laboratory determinations had been previously misdiagnosed as having Cushing's syndrome.
The literature pertaining to the Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome is reviewed with particular reference to psychiatric and endocrinologic data. Closer psychologic scrutiny of this patient revealed that his mental deficiency may have been secondary to brain damage and not part of a genetically linked symptom complex. An appraisal of previous reports indicates a lack of effort at making this distinction in the past. The question of the usefulness and validity of viewing the symptom aggregate of Laurence-Moon-Biedl patients as a discrete, genetically transmitted syndrome is discussed.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).