Case Report

Pervasive Refusal Syndrome: Three Case Reports—Autism as a Predisposing Factor and Gentle Coercion to Shorten Duration of Disorder?

Table 2

Background characteristics.

Case 1Case 2Case 3

Age of onset (years:months)16:711:79:8
GenderFemaleFemaleFemale
Family historyAutistic traitsDepressionObsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder
PersonalityHigh achiever, perfectionistic, anxious, conscientiousCaring, rigidPerfectionistic, anxious, caring, conscientious
Family settingIntact, youngest of three sistersDivorcing, youngest with an older brotherIntact, only child
ComorbidityPosttraumatic stress disorder, autism, subclinical inattentionAutistic traits, subclinical inattentionGeneralized anxiety disorder, panic attacks
StressorsUndiagnosed autism, domestic brawlParental divorce, conflicts among peersParental discord, mother-child overinvolved
PrecipitatorsThroat infectionFlu, gastroenteritis, head trauma