Questions about down syndrome?

Question

I have a younger cousin (about 20 years old) with down syndrome. It seems more severe than most cases I have seen. Once he finished school though, he started having problems, the doctor said he was depressed because he no longer had the other kids around to socialize with (he was in the special education class).

He says that he is hearing voices and i think sometimes he sees things. I know it scares him because it drives him into fits and he starts hitting himself. Just today, he hit his mother in one of his fits.

I also notice that there are times when he will start smiling to himself and laughing without really talking to anyone. I don't know if i am just looking out for too much/being too watchful or if it is a legitimate concern.

They are taking him to a mental health specialist soon. I just want to know if there are any resources that his mom may read? Specifically something that mentions relationships between down syndrome and schizophrenia or anything of the sort?

Answer 1

It is possible, but not likely, that he is suffering from schizophrenia.  It would make more sense to me that he is experiencing depression since he no longer has the "social world" he once had in school.  It is quite possible that the behaviors you are describing--hearing voices, smiling and laughing to himself--are simply his way of trying to recreate the social interactions he used to enjoy.  I wouldn't be surprised if the voices he's 'hearing' are some kind of imaginary friend.  

I think it is a fabulous idea that he is going to meet with a mental health specialist.  Depending on where you live, he should have some community-based programs where he can continue to interact with other individuals his age with special needs (What I mean by this is that you may have fewer options in rural Kentucky than if you lived in New York City).  Services for individuals with intellectual disabilities are lifelong--he should not be sitting at home doing nothing now that he has graduated from school-age services.  

If he doesn't have any activities--a job, a job training program, or even just community-based mental health services--I could see where depression, frustration, and even aggression could develop.

Answer 2

Unfortunately it is not unusual for people with Down Syndrome to suffer from depression or other mental health problem, while schizophrenia could be an issue but is unlikely as ptralynn has said.

Any change in behaviour, moods, eating and sleep habits etc need to be noted and reported to his doctor, which help with an accurate assessment.

I am glad he is seeing a mental health specialist, who will do a full assessment and treat and manage accordingly with medication etc.

There is a book called "Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome" A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges

By Dennis McGuire, Ph.D. & Brian Chicoine, M.D.

Answer 3

yes he needs medication from a Doctor and therapy.

Answer 4

A person with Down Syndrome (DS) can have schizophrenia. I have worked with one guy who has both.

Having DS doesn't make you more likely to have schiz. a person, regardless of genetic make up, can have this disorder.

Depression runs high is people with DS. They are extremely social people (generally) and are smart enough to know when they are being picked on and are sensitive to being isolated, like the majority of us.

His mother should look into an adult day care. This is usually for the elderly but most take those with disabilities. Remind her that they can not discriminate on disability. She should ask if there is a spot open and go an tour the facility without him as well as sign papers just in case they are ones to discriminate.

Answer 5

try looking it up on the internet

In the search engine try down's syndrome and schizophrenia.

You could also try a wider search with down's syndrome and mental health problems as it may be something other than schizophrenia.

This site gives you a book which may be beneficial to you to work out what is going on with your cousin. It's from the downs syndrome association in the UK but you may be able to get it elsewhere like amozon books. Have a look for it.

Answer 6

Here is one link that may help.