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Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Psychiatric disorders in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities

Authors: Elisabeth M Dykens, Bhavik Shah, Bruce Davis, Courtney Baker, Taylor Fife, Jeri Fitzpatrick

Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Relative to other aspects of Down syndrome, remarkably little is known about the psychiatric problems experienced by youth and young adults with this syndrome and if these problems differ from others with intellectual disabilities. Yet adolescence and young adulthood are particularly vulnerable time periods, as they involve multiple life transitions in educational, medical, and other service systems.

Methods

This study compared the psychiatric diagnoses of 49 adolescent and young adult patients with Down syndrome to 70 patients with other intellectual disabilities (IDs). The groups were similar in age, gender, and level of intellectual impairment. The 119 participants, aged 13 to 29 years (M = 21) were evaluated in one of two specialized psychiatric clinics.

Results

In contrast to previous literature, those with Down syndrome versus other IDs had significantly higher rates of psychosis NOS or depression with psychotic features (43% versus 13%). Unlike the ID group, psychosis was predominantly seen in females with Down syndrome. Marked motoric slowing in performing routine daily activities or in expressive language was manifested in 17% of patients with Down syndrome. No group differences were found in anxiety or depressive disorders, and the ID group had significantly higher rates of bipolar and impulse control disorders.

Conclusions

These preliminary observations warrant further studies on genetic, neurological, and psychosocial factors that place some young people with Down syndrome or other IDs at high risk for severe psychiatric illness.
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Metadata
Title
Psychiatric disorders in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
Authors
Elisabeth M Dykens
Bhavik Shah
Bruce Davis
Courtney Baker
Taylor Fife
Jeri Fitzpatrick
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1866-1947
Electronic ISSN: 1866-1955
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-015-9101-1

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