Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2022 Sep 1;43(7):427-436.
doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000001086. Epub 2022 Jun 1.

Is Developmental Regression in Down Syndrome Linked to Life Stressors?

Sabrina Sargado  1   2 , Anna L Milliken  1 , Margaret A Hojlo  1 , Katherine G Pawlowski  1 , Diana Deister  1   2   3 , Cara N Soccorso  1   2 , Nicole T Baumer  1   2   4
Affiliations

Is Developmental Regression in Down Syndrome Linked to Life Stressors?

Sabrina Sargado et al. J Dev Behav Pediatr. .

Abstract

Objective: Unexplained regression in Down syndrome (URDS) involves a loss of acquired skills resulting in functional deterioration. Despite extensive workup and treatment, few individuals regain baseline function. This study aimed to understand the role of psychosocial stressors in URDS.

Methods: We describe psychosocial stressors in 14 cases of URDS. Specifically, we examined psychosocial stressors in the context of presentation and clinical symptoms. We also examined co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders and medical and mental health conditions.

Results: All individuals experienced psychosocial stressors within one year of diagnosis of URDS. The most common psychosocial stressors were moving to a new home or school.

Conclusion: Psychosocial stressors are commonly reported preceding URDS. Knowledge about psychosocial stressors' impact may lead to preventive interventions, improved monitoring, and earlier diagnosis. Future research should focus on understanding psychosocial stressors to help identify individuals at risk for URDS and contribute to treatment.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

    1. Bull MJ, Saal HM, Braddock SR, et al. Health supervision for children with down syndrome. Pediatrics. 2011;128:393–406.
    1. Presson AP, Partyka G, Jensen KM, et al. Current estimate of down syndrome population prevalence in the United States. J Pediatr. 2013;163:1163–1168.
    1. Santoro SL, Cannon S, Capone G, et al. Unexplained regression in Down syndrome: 35 cases from an international Down syndrome database. Genet Med. 2020;22:767–776.
    1. Jacobs J, Schwartz A, McDougle CJ, et al. Rapid clinical deterioration in an individual with Down syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. 2016;170:1899–1902.
    1. Ghaziuddin N, Nassiri A, Miles JH. Catatonia in Down syndrome; a treatable cause of regression. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015;11:941–949.