Mental retardation (original) (raw)

We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Abstract

Mental Retardation (MR) occurs in 2–3% of the general population. Prevalence of milder MR is seven to ten times more than severe MR. Cause of severe MR can be determined in 60–70% of cases, as compared to mild MR where 35–55% remain idiopathic. The diagnostic process is aided considerably if the timing of a developmental insult can be determined : prenatal, periatal, postnatal (not mutually exclusive). History plays a pivotal role in approaching a diagnosis. After clinical evaluation one should be able to assess whether the disorder is static or progressive; approximate developmental quotient; possible timing of insult and possible underlying genetic etiology. Investigations should be based on history and physical examination. The important category of tests include: thyroid function tests, cytogenetic studies, metabolic work-up, fragile-X screening, radiological investigations, electrophysiological studies and specific tests according to the suspected diagnosis. Having an etiological explanation aids in the development of a specific treatment plan; helps families understand prognosis and recurrence risk and on the community level assists in the development of preventive strategies.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Similar content being viewed by others

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  1. Gross HJ, ed.Manual on Terminology and Classification in Mental Retardation (revised). 1977 Washington DC. American Association on Mental Retardation.
    Google Scholar
  2. Shevell MI, Swaiman KF. Global developmental delay and Mental retardation. In Swaiman, Ashwal S, eds.Pediatric Neurology Principles and Practice, 3rd edn. Mosby, Missouri 1999; 551–560.
    Google Scholar
  3. Majnemer A, Shevell MI. Diagnostic yield of the neurologic assessment of the developmentally delayed child.J Pediatr 1995; 127:193.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  4. Schaefer GB, Bodonsteiner JB. Evaluation of the child with idiopathic mental retardation.Pediatr Clin North America 1992; 39: 929–943.
    CAS Google Scholar
  5. McLaren J, Bryson SE. Review of recent epidemiological studies of mental retardation: prevalence, associated disorders and etiology.Am J Ment Retard 1987; 92: 243–254.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  6. Mental retardation in India, Report of the First All India Conference on Mental Retardation, New Delhi (Federation for the Welfare of the Mentally Retarded, New Delhi) 1966.
  7. Kuppuswamy B. A survey of mental retardation among children enrolled in middle schools of Mysore city.Indian J Ment Retard 1968; 1:12.
    Google Scholar
  8. Kinsbourne M, Graf WD. Disorders of mental development. In Menkes JH, Sarnat HB, eds.Child Neurology, 6th edn. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia 2000; 1155–1211.
    Google Scholar
  9. Shevell MI, Majnemer A, Rosenbaum P, Abrabamowicz M. Etiologic yield of subspecialists evaluation of young children with global developmental delay.J Pediatr 2000; 136:593–598.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  10. Ramanujam BK, David S. A clinical study of 100 cases of mentally retarded children seen in a clinic.Indian Pediatr 1969; 6:118–131.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  11. Sinclair S. Etiological factors in mental retardation: A study of 470 cases.Indian Pediatr 1972; 9 :391–396.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  12. Joshua GE. The genetic component in mentally retarded south Indian children.Indian J Med Res 1974; 62:1251–1260.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  13. Multicentric study on genetic causes of mental retardation in India.Indian J Med Res (B) 1991; 94:161-169.
    Google Scholar
  14. Rosell AM, Spiridigliozzi GA, Sullivan JA, Dawson DV, Lachiewicz AM. Carrier testing in Fragile-X syndrome: when to tell and test.Ant J Med Genet 2002; 110:36–44.
    Article Google Scholar
  15. Hagerman RJ_et al._ Fragile-X checklist.Am Journ Med Genet 1991; 38: 283–287.
    Article CAS Google Scholar
  16. Harper PS, ed.Disorders of Mental Function in Practical Genetic Counseling. 4th edn. Wright Publishers 1993; 183–194.
  17. Elango R, Verma IC. Fragile-X syndrome among children with Mental retardation.Indian J Pediatr 1996; 63:533–538.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  18. Jain U, Verma IC, Kapoor AK. Prevalence of Fragile-X (A) syndrome in mentally retarded children at a genetics referral centre in Delhi, India.Indian J Med Res 1998; 108:12–16.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  19. Verma IC, Kabra M, Gangakhedkar AK. Optimal care for children with Down syndrome in India.Indian J Pediatr 1996; 63:121–126.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  20. Wang Q, Green E, Boraw M, Mathew CG. A rapid nonradioactive screening test for Fragile-X mutations at the FRAXA and FRAXE loci.J Med Genet 1995; 32:170–173.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  21. Rousseau F, Heitz D, Biancalana V_et al._ Direct diagnosis by DNA analysis of the Fragile-X syndrome of mental retardation.N Eng J Med 1991; 325:1673–1681.
    Article CAS Google Scholar
  22. Willenson R, Smits A, Mohkamsing S, Beerendonk HU, Haan A, Vries B_et al_ Rapid antibody test for diagnosing Fragile-X syndrome: a validation of the technique.Hum Genet 1997; 99:308–311.
    Article Google Scholar
  23. Palfrey JS, Frazer CH. Determining the etiology of developmental delay in very young children: What if we had a common internationally accepted protocol.J Pediatr 2000; 136:569–570.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Madhulika Kabra (Associate Professor)
    Present address: Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, 110 029, New Delhi, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, 110 029, New Delhi, India
    Sheffali Gulati

Authors

  1. Madhulika Kabra
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  2. Sheffali Gulati
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kabra, M., Gulati, S. Mental retardation.Indian J Pediatr 70, 153–158 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02723745

Download citation

Key words