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Introduction to Down Syndrome and Mental health

Posted By : Administrator Wednesday 15 Mar, 2017
Introduction to Down Syndrome and Mental health

Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. It causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability and developmental delays.

Individuals with Down syndrome have

- delay in cognitive development with specific deficits in speech, language production and auditory short-term memory

- fewer adaptive behaviour problems than individuals with other cognitive disabilities

- increased risk for depression and Alzheimer´s disease


Major Mental Health related concerns in persons with Down’s syndrome

At least half of all children and adults with Down syndrome face a major mental health concern during their life span. Children and adults with multiple medical problems experience an even higher rate of mental health problems.

The most common mental health concerns include: general anxiety, repetitive and obsessive-compulsive behaviors; oppositional, impulsive, and inattentive behaviors; sleep related difficulties; depression; autism spectrum conditions; and neuropsychological problems characterized by progressive loss of cognitive skills.

The pattern of mental health problems in Down syndrome vary depending on the age and developmental characteristics of the child or adult with Down syndrome as follows.

Young and early school age children with limitations in language and communication skills, cognition, and non-verbal problem solving abilities present with increased vulnerabilities in terms of:

- Disruptive, impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive and oppositional behaviors (raising concerns of coexisting oppositional disorder and ADHD)

- Anxious, stuck, ruminative, inflexible behaviors (raising concerns of co-existing generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders)

- Deficits in social relatedness, self-immersed, repetitive stereotypical behaviors (raising concerns of co-existing autism or pervasive developmental disorder)

- Chronic sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and mood related problems (raising concerns of co-existing sleep disorders and sleep apnea)

Older school age children and adolescents, as well as young adults with Down syndrome with better language and communication and cognitive skills presenting with increased vulnerability to:

- Depression, social withdrawal, diminished interests and coping skills

- Generalized anxiety

- Obsessive compulsive behaviors

- Regression with decline in loss of cognitive and social skills

- Chronic sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and mood related problems (raising concerns of co-existing sleep disorders and sleep apnea)

Older adults present with increased vulnerability to:

- Generalized anxiety

- Depression, social withdrawal, loss of interest, and diminished self-care

- Regression with decline in cognitive and social skills

- Dementia

All these changes in behavior often seem to occur as a reaction to (or triggered by) a psychosocial or environmental stressor, e.g., illness in, separation from, or loss, of a key attachment figure.


Who should you turn to for help for assessment and treatment of mental health concerns?

It is essential to consult a mental health professional skilled in working with children and adults with Down syndrome. It is always worth making an initial consultation visit to familiarize the child or adult with the professional and to see if this is a good match for your needs. Such an introductory visit is helpful as it enables the child or adult with Down syndrome also to feel comfortable with the place, provider, and it also enable you to get a timely appointment in a crisis situation in the future when a critical situation arises.


Catex Health is a large network of mental health experts who are available 24x7 for your support and will ensure confidential, dignified and empowering support for any sort of emotional distress. Click here to reach out to an expert or call +91 9911775626.






http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Mental-Health-Issues--Down-Syndrome/