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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Sally-Ann Cooper  and
Richard A. Collacott
Sally-Ann Cooper*
Affiliation:
University of Leicester, Frith Hospital, Leicester
Richard A. Collacott
Affiliation:
University of Leicester, Frith Hospital, Leicester
*
Dr Cooper, Department of Psychiatry, University of Leicester, Frith Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QF
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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.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 3 , September 1994 , pp. 399 - 403
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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