Conference Panel

Medication for Fragile X: Anxiety, Irritable Behaviors, and Aggression

July 17, 2022

01 h 04 m

This session will cover currently available supportive medications for treating anxiety, irritability, and agitated and aggressive behaviors that can be problematic in Fragile X syndrome. Medication classes and specific medications within each class will be described.

About the Webinar

Moderated by Missy Zolecki, presented by Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD, and Craig A. Erickson, MD.
Learn more about the presenters

Medication classes to be discussed will include SSRIs, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Reasons for choosing medications from a particular class or specific medications within a class will be discussed, as well as the mechanism of action of different medications, dosing strategies, and potential benefits and side effects that can be seen from different medications. There will be time for questions and discussion at the end of the session.

About the Panelists

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD, established the Fragile X Clinic and Research Program at Rush University Medical Center in 1992. She studies Fragile X syndrome medical issues, epilepsy, and psychopharmacology and provides care to over 700 patients with FXS. She has been a leader in translational research, including the development of outcome measures and biomarkers, natural history studies, newborn screening, and particularly clinical trials of new targeted treatments.

Dr. Berry-Kravis’s laboratory studies the cellular roles of the Fragile X protein (FMRP), its relationship to phenotypes, and the optimization of genetic testing methods. She is a longstanding member of the NFXF Scientific and Clinical Advisory Committee, and Clinical Trials Committee, and is the principal investigator of the CDC-funded FORWARD-MARCH natural history project for Fragile X.

Dr. Berry-Kravis attended the University of Notre Dame for her undergraduate studies and the University of Chicago for her doctoral degrees (MD and PhD) and training in pediatric neurology.

Craig A. Erickson

Craig A. Erickson, MD, is a professor of Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine-Affiliated. Dr. Erickson leads a neurodevelopmental clinical and research group focused on improving clinical care through research discovery. He is the director of the Cincinnati Fragile X Research and Treatment Center, one of the largest such programs in the world. He serves as the chair of the Clinical Trials Committee organized by the National Fragile X Foundation and is a leader in translational medicine efforts in Fragile X syndrome, autism, and related disorders. Additionally, he is the director of research in the Division of Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. 

Missy Zolecki

Missy joined NFXF team in 2018 after being an active volunteer since 2010. Missy organized several fundraisers and educational workshops while serving in her volunteer role. Missy is the mother of three children. Her eldest son, Matt, lives with Fragile X syndrome. Prior to joining the NFXF team, Missy had worked as a nurse for more than 20 years. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Additional Resources

Behavior & Fragile X Syndrome

When discussing Fragile X syndrome and behavior, it is important to note that — like every person — the focus should be on the individual. Many behaviors are positive, and it is those behaviors you will see most often in addition to challenging behaviors. Behavior problems serve a purpose (or a function) and are often a form of communication. Addressing behavioral challenges in an individual with FXS should start with a comprehensive evaluation. A proactive approach with appropriate support and accommodations will likely foster positive outcomes and set up the individual with FXS to succeed in their home, school, or community.

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