32 mentally retarded adults currently suffering from major depression were examined for the prevalence of typical & atypical depressive symptoms. Research was carried out in Hamburg, Germany. Roughly every fourth patient was rated as suicidal; at least two had made a suicide attempt during the current depressive episode. Symptoms were found that were not covered by the DSM-III-R. Recommendations for diagnosing major depression in mentally handicapped adults are given. (16 refs.)