MANIA AND DOWNS-SYNDROME

Until recently, it was considered that Down's syndrome precluded a dia gnosis of mania, or gave rise to an atypical presentation. There have been seven case reports of mania in people with Down's syndrome and al l these cases are reviewed. The clinical features of mania are noted t o be similar to those previously described in individuals with learnin g disabilities due to other causes. However, all reported cases are ma le and none has a family history of affective disorder. In two of the seven men reported, the illness followed a rapid cycling pattern. Hypo thyroidism and monoamine biochemistry in people with Down's syndrome a re discussed in the context of these atypical features.