|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

Down Syndrome & Depression

According to the National Down Syndrome Congress, about 7 percent of the people with the Down syndrome, where an extra chromosome causes physical abnormalities and cognitive impairment, suffer from depression.

  1. Significance

    • Though people with Down syndrome are less likely to express feelings of depressions, symptoms of depression will manifest in fatigue, loss of interest in food and activities and mood swings.

    Misconceptions

    • People with Down syndrome may not have the mental facilities to deal with situations such as death or other traumatic events. Also, adults with Down syndrome tend to feel socially isolated.

    Warning

    • Some people may not recognize symptoms of depression in people with Down syndrome and will just attribute depressive behaviors as part of the condition.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to the National Down Syndrome Congress, the best way to treat depression is practice a preventative approach where the person with Down syndrome feels they have some control over their lives.

    Considerations

    • People with Down syndrome tend to be less depressed if they have structure in their lives and activities that prevent boredom.

Depression - Related Articles