Mental Retardation: Understanding Early Signs, Causes and Care Option

Mental retardation is a condition that refers to an impaired mental capacity of an individual for reasoning, problem-solving, learning and performing everyday activities. The condition is also termed an intellectual disability, which typically occurs in childhood and is diagnosed when an individual has an intelligence quotient (IQ) below 70 and struggles with age-appropriate tasks. Learn more about early signs, potential causes and care options for intellectual disability.

Levels of mental retardation

Mild mental retardation: Mild category constitutes around 85% of the mentally retarded population whose intelligence quotient score ranges from 50–75. These individuals can become self-sufficient and acquire basic academic skills such as reading and writing. In some cases, they can live independently with social or community support.

• Moderate mental retardation: This category constitutes around 10% of people with intellectual disability with moderate levels with IQ scores ranging from 35–55. They can learn work and self-care tasks with guidance, develop communication skills during childhood and thrive in supervised settings.
• Severe mental retardation: This category accounts for 3–4% of the mentally retarded population having IQ scores of 20–40. They may develop basic self-care and communication skills, often requiring support and necessary care.  
• Profound mental retardation: This category accounts for only 1–2% of the mentally retarded population with IQ scores less than 20–25. With the right support and training, individuals may learn basic self-care. Their condition is linked to neurological disorders which require extensive structure and close supervision in daily life.  

Symptoms

Early signs of mental retardation may vary based on the type. Severe and profound types of intellectual disability show up sooner. Some of these include

• Delayed learning and developing ability  
• Delayed processes such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling or walking
• Difficulty with communicating or socialising  
• Late or limited speech of development
• Below-average IQ scores  
• Trouble in memory  
• Difficulty in understanding the link between actions and results  
• Challenges in learning at school
• Struggles with problem-solving or logical thinking
• Dependence on assistance for everyday tasks like dressing or using the restroom  

Causes

Intellectual disability can develop when something disrupts normal brain development, typically before the age of 18. This disruption can be caused by injury, disease or abnormality in the brain. However, the exact cause is only identified in one-third of cases. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Genetic causes: Intellectual disability can be associated with inherited genetic disorders or errors during genetic makeup. For instance, Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.
• Physical causes: Some infections or diseases like whooping cough, measles or meningitis can lead to intellectual disability. Other physical factors include severe and chronic diseases affecting the brain, inadequate nutrition or exposure to toxins or poisonous substances such as lead or mercury.
• Environmental causes: Problems during pregnancy that affect the foetal brain can lead to intellectual disability. These are maternal drug or alcohol use, malnutrition, pre-eclampsia and viral infections. Birth complications, such as preterm birth or oxygen deprivation, can also increase the risk. In addition, traumatic head injury and near-drowning incidents may also cause intellectual disability.

Treatment

Intellectual disability cannot be cured. The treatment focuses on enhancing the individuals’ abilities, ensuring safety and improving quality of life. Interventions are tailored to the specific needs of individuals and their families with the goal of maximising a person’s potential for independence and personal growth.

Key components of treatment

Therapy-based interventions

• Developmental therapy: This therapy is aimed at helping children achieve developmental milestones and improve independent functioning. This therapy is most suitable for children up to the age of 13.
• Occupational therapy: This therapy focuses on daily activities such as dressing, grooming and feeding. It also includes training on hand movements and handwriting improvement skills.
• Special Education: This includes care, support and training on essential skills such as reading, writing and problem-solving. It also includes training on other essential activities such as toileting and self-care.
• Speech therapy: This training is specially provided for children who are unable to communicate verbally. It offers alternative communication methods to aid in expressing themselves.

Medications for co-existing conditions: Medications may be prescribed to individuals with intellectual disabilities experiencing aggression, mood disorders, self-injury behaviour and seizures.  

Conclusion

Based on the type and severity of intellectual disability, the support and interventions required will vary. Although mental retardation cannot be cured, a combination of therapies, educational strategies and medication (as needed) can help individuals lead safer and more independent lives.