"Mental Retardation" has had various names throughout history. Until the 18th century the term "idiotism" predominated, referring to a series of deficit disorders. Later the psychiatrist Kraepelin introduced the term "oligophrenia" (little intelligence). Since then they have happened different names: abnormality, deficiency, insufficiency, subnormality, etc...
Currently, there is a tendency to avoid those names that can be interpreted as pejorative or discriminatory. The term intellectual disability is used and, in school children, following the guidelines indicated by the LOGSE, are included within the group of "students with educational needs special ".
However, the term that keeps appearing in the different systems qualifiers (DSM-IV, ICD-10) and specifically referred to the level of intellectual competence, is that of Mental Retardation. The essence of this disorder is intellectual deficit but it must be borne in mind that intelligence is not a specific quality that affects only the purely intellectual or cognitive but influences the entire personality and all of it will be affected in the R.M.
Currently the predominant criteria are those provided by the AAMR that are adopted both by CI-10 and by DSM-IV.
Significantly lower than average intellectual ability: an IQ of approximately 70 or lower on an IQ test administered individually (in young children, a clinical judgment of intellectual ability significantly lower than average).
Deficit or alterations of occurrence in the current adaptive activity (effectiveness of the person to satisfy the demands made for his age and cultural group), in at least two of the following areas: personal communication, home life, skills social-interpersonal, use of community resources, self-control, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health and security.
The onset is prior to 18 years of age.
F70 Mild mental retardation: IQ between 50-55 and approximately 70.
F71 Moderate mental retardation: IQ between 35-40 and 50-55.
F72 Severe mental retardation: IQ between 20-25 and 35-40.
F73 Severe mental retardation: IQ less than 20-25.
F79 Mental retardation of unspecified severity: when there is a clear presumption of mental retardation, but the intelligence of the subject cannot be evaluated by the usual tests.
AAMR SYSTEM (Modifications): 9th Edition:
- Recognition of the importance of the environment
- The fit criterion is nomothetic
- In addition to the deficits, it takes into account the RESOURCES available to the person Multiple intelligences
- Part of an optimistic consideration
- It is not a stable trait, but sometimes people need support
Educational classification system (Teachable, Trainable, deep) 10th Edition, year 2012
The AAMR 2002 definition employs a "multidimensional" approach that includes 5 dimensions:
- Intellectual skills
- Adaptive behavior
- Participation, interaction and social roles
- Physical and mental health)
- Context (culture and environment)
- PREVALENCE 1-2% in developed countries.
Mutations in autosomes
LeJeune syndrome or cat meow It is a group of symptoms that result from the lack of a part of chromosome number 5. The syndrome is named after the baby's high-pitched cry that sounds like a cat.
Causes of mental retardation
Cat's meow syndrome is rare and is caused by a problem with chromosome 5. Most cases are believed to occur during the development of the egg or sperm. A small number of cases occur when a parent passes a different, rearranged form of the chromosome to her child.
Symptoms of mental retardation
- High-pitched, cat-like cry Eyes drooping
- Low birth weight and slow growth
- Low-set or abnormally shaped ears
- Mental retardation (intellectual disability)
- Fusion or partial formation of membranes in the fingers or toes
- A single line in the palm of the hand
- Skin papillomas just in front of the ear
- Slow or incomplete development of motor skills
- Small head (microcephaly)
- Small jaw (micrognathia) Wide eyes
The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may show:
- Inguinal hernia
- Rectus diastasis (separation of muscles in the abdominal area)
- Low muscle tone
- Epicanthus, an extra fold of skin over the inner corner of the eye
- Problems with the crease of the ears Genetic testing can show a missing part of chromosome 5.
- An X-ray of the skull can reveal problems with the shape of the skull base.
Treatment of mental retardation
There is no specific treatment, ways to treat or manage symptoms will be suggested. Parents of a child with this syndrome should receive genetic counseling and undergo tests to determine if one of them has a change on chromosome 5.
Prognosis of mental retardation
Intellectual disability (mental retardation) is common. Half of the children with this syndrome learn enough verbal skills to communicate. The cat-like crying becomes less noticeable over time. Complications depend on the extent of the intellectual disability (mental retardation) and physical problems.
Symptoms can affect a person's ability to care for themselves. East syndrome it is usually diagnosed at birth. After leaving the hospital, it is important to continue regular visits with pediatricians. Genetic counseling and testing is recommended for all people with a family history of this syndrome.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
