Table 1 PWS behavioral features definitions

Hyperphagia: intense persistent sensation of hunger accompanied by food preoccupations, an extreme drive to consume food, food-related behavior problems, and a lack of normal satiety

Temper outbursts: highly explosive episodes in which the person with PWS becomes very angry or upset in a way that seems excessive for the situation and also beyond the person’s control

Anxiety: excessive worry and tension often related to schedules/routines, food planning or food security, persons/items of special interest and excessive concerns about the possibility of change

Obsessive compulsive behaviors: repetitive, ritualistic behaviors, collecting and hoarding items, insistence on “sameness,” need to know, ask, or tell

Rigidity: ardent inflexibility with certain routines, concepts, or ways of thinking; vigorous resistance to change; black and white thinking

Social cognition: difficulties relating to others, challenges with reciprocal social communication, recognizing others’ emotions, empathy and accurate interpretation of social cues.