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The Relationship Between Depression and Feeding Disorder Symptoms Among Persons with Severe and Profound Mental Retardation

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Abstract

Among the population at-large, the effect of depression on appetite and feeding behavior is well documented. Despite the prevalent nature of psychopathology among those with severe and profound mental retardation, little has been reported about the relationship between depression and problematic feeding behavior. Consequently, we assessed the relationship of depression and feeding problems across 54 participants diagnosed with either a mood disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, or no Axis I diagnosis. All participants were classified in the severe to profound range of mental retardation. Significant differences on the Screening Tool of Feeding Problems (STEP) were found across feeding problems, indicating that feeding problems may vary as a function of Axis I diagnostic classification.

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Correspondence to Johnny L. Matson.

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Mayville, S.B., Matson, J.L., Laud, R.B. et al. The Relationship Between Depression and Feeding Disorder Symptoms Among Persons with Severe and Profound Mental Retardation. J Dev Phys Disabil 17, 213–224 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-4378-8

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