Prevalence and associated features of depression in women with Rett syndrome

Little is known about depression among women with Rett syndrome (RTT) despite recent advances in knowledge about RTT. In this study, we aimed to establish the prevalence of depression among women with RTT as identified by a screening telephone interview and to explore the clinical factors associated with this.

The study employed the cross-sectional analysis of data from telephone interviews with carers of 56 women with RTT, using validated questionnaires for assessing mental health problems, challenging behaviour and RTT severity.

Scores on the mental health assessment reached the affective/neurotic threshold in eight cases (14.3%). No significant differences were found between those reaching the threshold and those who did not in terms of severity of RTT phenotype, health problems or social circumstances. There was a significant association between screening identified depression and higher lethargy and social withdrawal.

Screening identified depression was found among a sizeable minority of women with RTT. Further investigation is needed to establish a clinically validated prevalence of depression among this group and to identify behavioural features that would lead to prompt psychiatric assessment.