Clinical Features and Diagnostic Criteria of Depression in Down's Syndrome

Abstract

Background Depression occurs commonly in people with Down's syndrome, although there is little published about this association. This study explores the limitations of Diagnostic Criteria for Research, based on ICD-10 (DCR) and DSM–III–R depressive criteria. Method Case note examination identified 42 adults with Down's syndrome who have sustained 56 depressive episodes. The clinical features are reported. Results All episodes were diagnosed as depression. DSM–III–R criteria for major depressive episode were met by 50% of the episodes. DCR for depressive episode of at least mild severity were fulfilled by 68%. Conclusions These criteria were unduly restrictive for this group. Commonly occurring symptoms are not included in the criteria, while certain criteria items never occurred. Criteria should be modified to facilitate future research.