Mental Retardation

MENTAL RETARDATION

Topics in Mental Health

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Mental Retardation?

Mental Retardation is diagnosed when a child’s intelligence test scores fall below 70 and the child requires assistance in the tasks of daily living. Children with mental retardation often have difficulty in the following areas; thinking logically, remembering things, speaking, understanding social behaviours, connecting cause and effect, and solving problems. Some types of mental retardation are associated with behavioral problems such as aggression, impulsivity, self-injury, stubbornness, passivity, hyperactivity, attention problems, depression or psychotic disorders.

Children with Mild Mental Retardation (I.Q. in the 50-70 range) can usually attain a sixth grade level education and learn to work and live within the community with some level of support. Mild Retardation affects 85% of all cases of mental retardation. Another 10% of mentally retarded people have Moderate Mental Retardation. Those with Moderate Mental Retardation (IQ in the 30-50 range) can usually learn enough social and language skills to be able to work in sheltered workshops as adults. Those with this level of retardation do not generally live independently. Those with Severe Mental Retardation (IQ in the 20-high 30 range), constituting around 5% of the those with Mental Retardation, may learn some communication skills and may be able to work with supervision, while those with Profound Mental Retardation (IQ less than 25), constituting 1-2% of all those with Mental Retardation, will require lifelong care.

The three most common inborn causes for mental retardation are: Fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and Down syndrome. Brain damage, chemical effects, metabolic issues, chromosomal abnormalities, disease, birth trauma, and malnutrition are also causes of mental retardation before birth. Mental Retardation acquired after birth can be caused by infections, lead poisoning, brain trauma, environmental deprivation and early onset Schizophrenia.

Symptoms of Mental Retardation (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order to diagnose a person with mental retardation, the person must meet the following symptoms:

The intellectual functioning of the person is significantly below average.
In at least two of the following areas, the person has trouble functioning that would not be expected according to the age group of the person.

Working
Health
Safety
Communication
Relating to others
Academic functioning
Using community resources
Caring for self
Using free time
Directing self

The condition begins before the age of 18.

Treatment of Mental Retardation

As of now there is no cure to this disability; however there are many things that can be done for people with mental retardation. There are many non-profit or for-profit schools in North America as well as government-run establishments that cater especially to children and adults with mental retardation. Medical treatments improve the mental and physical conditions that often accompany this diagnosis. Psychological and behavioral treatments can help as well. Accessing support resources in the community can help the family and child function optimally.

Good prenatal care cannot totally prevent the occurrence of mental retardation but may reduce some occurrences; therefore, pregnant women should take the best care of themselves possible and be in the care of a prenatal team..