Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

In Vitro Modeling of Down Syndrome Neurogenesis Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
Predicting Functional Changes in Down Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Biopsychosocial Determinants
Ester Jo1, Carla Wall2, Lindsay K Allen3
1Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Psychiatry, Richmond, VA 23219, USA.
Background:
Biopsychosocial factors associated with functional changes, including changes in personality, communication, movement, and weight, were evaluated in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method:
Caregivers of individuals with DS (aged ≥12, n = 118) completed an online survey. Elastic net regression with bootstrap resampling assessed 31 candidate predictors.
Results:
Pandemic-related mental health was most strongly associated with functional changes (β = 0.388). Healthcare access barriers were also reliably selected: inability to access mental health treatment, difficulty affording insurance, difficulty accessing specialists, and residing in a low-income health professional shortage area. The model explained 35.2% of variance.
Conclusions:
Mental health and healthcare access barriers were biopsychosocial correlates of functional changes for people with DS during COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
