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Emotional and Behavioural disorders in a cohort with Down syndrome using the Strengths and Difficulties
Kavitha Sothirasan1, A J Anand1,2,3,4, Rashmi Mittal1
1KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
Background:
Globally, mental health disorders and behavioural problems afflict persons with Down syndrome (DS) with a high prevalence reported in some studies. However, data on behavioural and emotional disorders in DS cohort in Asian countries are lacking.
Aims:
To assess the mental health status of children and adults with DS, using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and its impact on caregivers using the impact supplement.
Methods:
The questionnaires were administered to caregivers of eligible participants aged ≥4 years. In addition, Down syndrome participant's ≥ 11 years old attempted the self-report. Scoring was done as per standard SDQ guidelines.
Results:
The total difficulties score was observed to be at least borderline high in 30.6% (19/62) of the participants. Peer relationships and conduct subscale issues were rated high, with abnormal internalizing scores predominating over externalizing scores. From parents' perspective, behavioural issues impacted 41.9% (26/62) of participants' in areas of education, peer relationship and leisure. However, only 3.8% (1/26) of the caregivers whose children had behavioural issues perceived them as a burden.
Conclusions:
Mental health difficulties are a significant morbidity in our DS cohort. SDQ is a useful user-friendly tool for identification of behavioural problems enabling timely referral for intervention and therapy.
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