Revisiting Childhood Gratification Disorder: Clinical Diagnosis and the Role of Sodium Valproate in Management

The childhood gratification disorders are a group of nonpathological, repetitive, pleasure-seeking, self-stimulatory behaviors in early childhood. Due to its varied clinical presentation, it often creates diagnostic dilemma and leads to unnecessary investigations. These behaviors may impact social, cognitive, and emotional growth in children. In developing countries like India, behavioral therapy is difficult to deliver to every patient due to less manpower, less resources, and lack of psychological mindedness in parents. Hence, we need to explore pharmacological interventions. In this regard, it is the first case series comprising three cases of childhood gratification disorder, showing dramatic responses with sodium valproate within a month, and no side effects noted in a long-term follow-up of 3 months duration