IPHREHAB : Mental retardation Signs and Symptoms

IPHREHAB
Mental retardation

• Mental retardation (MR) is a generalized disorder, characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning and deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors with onset before the age of 18.
• Mental retardation refers to sub-average general intellectual functioning which originates during the development period and is associated with impairment in adaptive behavior
• It has historically been defined as an Intelligence Quotient score under 70.
• The mentally retarded from childhood experiences unusual difficulties in learning which affects his capacities for adjustment in day to day living.
• General intellectual functioning means the results obtained by administration of standardized general intelligence tests for the purpose.

Signs and symptoms
•    Delays in oral language development
•    Deficits in memory skills
•    Difficulty learning social rules
•    Difficulty with problem solving skills
•    Delays in the development of adaptive behaviors such as self-help or self-care skills
•    Lack of social inhibitors


Diagnosis
• According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), three criteria must be met for a diagnosis of mental retardation:
–  An IQ below 70,
Significant limitations in two or more areas of adaptive behavior (as 
–  Measured by an adaptive behavior rating scale, i.e. communication, self-help skills, interpersonal skills, and more), and
–  Evidence that the limitations became apparent before the age of 18.


Class IQ

• •       Profound mental retardation                     Below 20
• •       Severe mental retardation                           20–34
• •       Moderate mental retardation                      35–49
• •       Mild mental retardation                                50–69
• •       Borderline intellectual functioning           70–84

•  Services needed by the mentally handicapped are discussed-medical, educational, vocational training, employment opportunities, residential facilities, legislation, insurance, community involvement and orientation, and adequate training of personnel.
•  Aim must be recognition and development of their potential abilities in order to enable them to develop into full integrated members of the community, living as full, happy and productive lives as possible, should be the aim of all services for the handicapped.