ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF MOOD DISORDERS IN PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES

This article reviews the gradually emerging literature on the diagnosi s and treatment of major depression and mania in persons with developm ental disabilities. By analyzing prevalence data in the general popula tion and large samples of people with mental retardation the tendency to underdiagnosis mood disorders becomes apparent. The utility of a me thod of assessing symptomatic behaviors, which reflect the underlying depressive and manic symptoms, is demonstrated in individuals not able to self-report. A literature review on treatment of mood disorders in persons with developmental disabilities reveals virtually no research on psychotherapy and a modest number of case reports on the successfu l use of psychopharmacology.