Dohsa‐hou for unexplained regression in Down syndrome in a 19‐year‐old man: A case report

Abstract: Unexplained regression in Down syndrome (URDS) has become a significant issue in clinical practice and research. This report illustrates the case of a patient with URDS treated with psychological treatment using Dohsa-hou, in addition to medication. Dohsa-hou, a form of psychological treatment, used for people with mental disorders in Asian countries. In Dohsa-hou treatment communication using body movement and physical interactions between the patient and therapist is emphasized. The intervention included relaxation procedures and empathic and communicative physical interaction with the therapist in treatment sessions, intended to alleviate the patient's psychological distress and agitation in interactions with others. After seven months, from Dohsa-hou initiation, the patient showed partial-to-moderate improvement in the NPI total symptoms ( 37%) and large improvement in caregiver's distress (59%), although some persistent symptoms remained (agitation and apathy). Although psychological treatment may be helpful, monitoring potential risks of acute aggression is necessary.

Source: Fujino, H., & Moritsugu, A. Dohsa-hou for unexplained regression in Down syndrome in a 19-year-old man: A case report. Clinical Case Reports, 2022, 10(5), e05827. https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.5827