Psychiatric morbidity in adults with Down syndrome

This contribution reviews current knowledge regarding psychiatric morbidity in adults with Down syndrome. Prevalence rates (of psychiatric disorders) have consistently demonstrated higher rates in adults with Down syndrome than in the general population, with overall rates of similar magnitude to those for non-Down syndrome learning disability adults. Dementia of Alzheimer's type and possibly depression and obsessive compulsive disorder are particularly associated with Down syndrome. These and other disorders are discussed and particular attention is given to dementia of Alzheimer's type, the condition that is widely known to be associated with Down syndrome. Modification of assessment tools and treatment regimes may be necessary but with a careful and detailed psychiatric evaluation virtually all disorders can be detected. It remains imperative that all qualified psychiatrists and psychiatrists-in-training are aware of the increased psychiatric morbidity in adults with Down syndrome.