What is mental retardation?

• A condition of incomplete or halted development of the mind, which is characterized by impairment of skills as manifested during developmental period that contributes to the overall level of intelligence (WHO)
• Significantly below average intellectual functioning (IQ is <70) with accompanying impairment in person's effectiveness in meeting the standards expected of one's age, as is expected by social and cultural influences in the following areas:

• Communication
• Self-care
• Home living
• Social/interpersonal skills
• Use of community resources
• Self-direction
• Functional academic skills
• Work, leisure, health and safety

• Metal retardation is classified by four different degrees of mental retardation: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. These categories are based on the functioning level of the individual.
• There are other physical defects associated with MR

What causes it?

• Genetics - Mental retardation may be caused by an inherited abnormality of the genes, such as fragile X syndrome.  An accident or mutation in genetic development may also casue retardation.
• Prenatal illnesses and issues

• Fetal alcohol syndrome caused by excessive alcohol intake in the first twelve weeks (trimester) of pregnancy.
• Drug abuse and cigarette smoking during pregnancy have also been linked to mental retardation.
• Maternal infections and illnesses such as glandular disorders, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus infection may cause mental retardation.
• When the mother has high blood pressure (hypertension) or blood poisoning (toxemia), the flow of oxygen to the fetus may be reduced, causing brain damage and metal retardation.
• Birth defects that cause physical deformities of the head, brain, and central nervous system frequently cause mental retardation.
• Neural tube defect, for example, is a birth defect in which the neural tube that forms the spinal cord does not close completely.
• Hydrocephalus can cause learning impairment by putting pressure on the brain.

• Childhood illnesses and injuries-

• Hyperthyroidism, whooping cough, chickenpox, measles, and Hib disease (a baterial infection) may cause mental retardation if they are not treated adequately.
• An infection of the membrane covering the brain (meningitis) or an inflammation of the brain itself (encephalitis) cause swelling that in turn may cause brain damage and mental retardation.
• Traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or a violent shake to the head may also cause brain damage and mental retardation in children

• Environmental factors

• Ignored or neglected infants who are not provided the mental and physical stimulation required for normal development may suffer irreversible learning impairments.
• Children who live in poverty and suffer from malnutrition, unhealthy living conditions, and improper or inadequate medical care are at a higher risk.
• Exposure to lead can also cause metal retardation.
• Many children have developed lead poisoning by eating the flaking lead-based paint ofter found in older buildings.

How many suffers?

• Number of individuals differ in relation to the level of country development
• In developing countries, the percentage of young persons aged 18 and below suffering from severe mental retardation reaches 4.6% while in developed countries, it is estimated to be between 0.5% - 2.5%.

What can be done?

• In general, people with mild and moderate mental retardation have the most flexibility to adapt to environmental conditions.
• In most cases, the underlying intellectual impairment does not improve, yet the affected person's level of adaptation can positively influenced by an enriched and supportive environment.
• The best treatment of mental retardation is primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
• Individualized education and skills training within the school system from ages 3-21
• Extracurricular activities and social programs are also important in helping children and adolescents with mental retardation gain self-esteem.
• Family therapy can help relatives of the mentally retarded develop coping skills.