A treatable cognitive regression in an adolescent with down syndrome [Uma regressão cognitiva tratável numa adolescente com síndrome de down]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Palha, MJ (Author) Other; Cotrim, L (Author) Other; Guterres, MT (Author) Other; David Andrade (Author) FMDUP; Palha, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Portuguese Journal of Pediatrics

Vol. 52

Pages: 203-207

ISSN: 2184-3333

Publisher: Portuguese Society of Paediatrics

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-80Y

DOI: 10.25754/pjp.2021.20015

Abstract (EN): Depression may manifest in different ways in people with Down syndrome. Cognitive regression and loss of adaptive skills could be the most noticeable signs. This report presents a 14-year-old female adolescent with Down syndrome and a proper premorbid function who developed progressive cognitive regression over four months. Additional symptoms consisted of irritability, psychomotor slowness, a deficit in social interaction, alienation, loss of interest, and permanent, incoherent, and implausible self-talk (with persecutory delirium). No signs of sadness were noted. The patient was diagnosed as having a major depressive disorder with mood-incongruent psychotic features. Organic causes were excluded. After starting treatment with fluoxetine 50 mg/ day and aripiprazole 10 mg/day, an improvement was observed over a 12 week period. By presenting this case, we aim to highlight the specific challenges regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Down syndrome adolescents and young adults presenting with subacute cognitive regression.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific