Behavioural Phenotypes

This chapter describes the concept of behavioural phenotypes with examples of genetically-determined neurodevelopmental syndromes which are associated with particular developmental trajectories and specific comorbid risks for challenging behaviour or mental ill-health. Potential neural and other mechanisms that might explain the observed genotype/phenotype associations are explored as are treatment modalities including a focus on novel syndrome specific treatments. The chapter is primarily aimed at trainees, clinicians, and clinical researchers and, for this reason, is about those aspects of the behavioural phenotypes that impinge negatively on a person’s health, well-being, and quality of life.