Depression and anorexia nervosa of persons with Down syndrome.

The manifestations of major depression in three adults with Down syndrome, one of whom also suffered from anorexia nervosa, were described. The clinical manifestations depended on patient's developmental level, particularly on verbal language skills. Behavioral and vegetative symptoms predominated when the retardation was more severe, whereas in the higher functioning patient affective symptoms were more readily recognizable. The overall findings indicate that major depression in persons with Down syndrome may be more frequent than previously assumed and that it can be diagnosed with standard diagnostic DSM III criteria, modified according to the patient's developmental level.