Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, which is especially characterized by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period, which contribute to the overall level of intelligence, i.e., cognitive, language, motor, and social abilities. It can be defined as cognitive ability that is markedly below average level and a decreased ability to adapt to one’s environment. The onset of the condition occurs during the developmental period, i.e., gestation through age 18 years. It is generally defined as an IQ below 70.

There are different categories of intellectual disability. They are:

Mild intellectual disability
Moderate intellectual disability
Severe intellectual disability
Profound intellectual disability
Other intellectual disability
Unspecified intellectual disability

There are different categories of intellectual disability. They are:

Failure to achieve developmental milestones
Inability to follow commands or directions
Reduced ability to learn or to meet academic demands
Difficulty performing self-care activities
Depression or labile moods

The causes for intellectual disability include foetal alcohol syndrome and foetal alcohol effect; brain damage caused by the use of prescription or illegal drugs during pregnancy; brain injury and disease; and genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.

For the treatment of this condition, there is no specific medication to cure Intellectual disability but certain drugs to reduce its symptoms. The most frequently used drugs are stimulants, atypical antipsychotics etc. The treatment of mental retardation is predominantly nonmedical which involves education to achieve maximal learning potential, habit formation, vocational training, and normalization of social and recreational activities. Therapies such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education and self-care such as physical exercise are implemented as treatment plans.

In conclusion, with proper support and treatment, most people with this life-long condition are capable of achieving successful, production roles in their communities. Support from family and peer group is as important as treatment. People with Mental health conditions deserve just as much support and compassion as people with physical health conditions.

Consultant Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists at Nirvan Hospital together form a treatment plan for such patients.