Mental retardation: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. • hello healthy

Definition of mental retardation

What is mental retardation?

Mental retardation (mentally retardation), which is also often referred to as mental retardation or disability, is a condition when a person's intelligence or mental abilities are below average, accompanied by a lack of skills in carrying out daily activities.

Furthermore, a person with mental retardation has limitations in two areas, namely:

• Intellectual function. Also known as IQ, which is the ability to learn, think, make decisions and solve problems.
• Adaptive behavior. These are skills necessary for everyday life, such as communicating effectively, interacting with others and taking care of oneself.

The level of limitation can vary from person to person. One person may just have trouble telling others about their wants and needs, while another person cannot take care of themselves. However, most people with mental disabilities can still learn new skills, albeit at a slower rate.

Some of these cases of mental retardation are diagnosed from birth. However, you may not realize that your child has this condition until they are unable to develop properly. Almost all of these cases are diagnosed up to 18 years of age.

In addition, it should be understood that mental retardation is not a mental disorder. However, someone with this condition is more likely to experience mental disorders than other people, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.

How common is this condition?

Reporting from MedlinePlus, mental retardation affects about 1-3 percent of the world's population. But unfortunately, of this number, only about 25 percent have the specific cause known. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with mental disabilities than women.

Mental retardation can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Mental retardation signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of mental retardation?

Common symptoms of mental retardation or disability are:

• Failure to reach the intellectual standard for his age.
• The child is late for walking, sitting, or crawling from other children.
• Difficulty learning to speak, including the child being late in speaking or speaking incoherently.
• Impaired memory.
• Cannot understand the consequences of an action.
• Can't think logically.
• Childish behavior inconsistent with age.
• Lack of curiosity.
• Difficulty in learning.
• Unable to lead a normal life due to difficulties in communicating, taking care of oneself or interacting with others.

In addition, a person who has a mental disability may experience the following behavioral problems:

• Having few friends or withdrawing from social activities.
• Have lower self-esteem.
• Experiencing intimidation or harassment.
• Not being able to manage stress, solve problems, or avoid conflict.

In addition, in severe conditions, a person with mental retardation also often experiences other symptoms, such as seizures, vision problems, or hearing loss.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Causes & risk factors for mental retardation

What causes mental retardation?

There are several things that can be the cause of mental retardation. The following are things that can trigger the condition:

• Genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.
• Disturbances during pregnancy, namely things that can interfere with the baby's brain development, such as alcohol or drug consumption, malnutrition or infection.
• Problems during childbirth, such as when the baby is deprived of oxygen at birth or is born very prematurely.
• Illness or injury as a child, such as meningitis, whooping cough or measles, severe head trauma, near drowning, malnutrition, or exposure to toxic substances.
• Social factors, such as stimulation of children and the responsiveness of adults to children, as well as a lack of education.

What increases a person's risk of developing mental retardation?

The risk factors for mental disability are generally linked to the causes above. The following are the factors in question:

• Have family members, such as parents or siblings, with intellectual disabilities.
• Brain damage as a result of serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a hard blow to the head.
• Traumatic experiences as children, such as being a victim of violence or being neglected.
• Children of mothers who consume alcohol or illegal drugs while pregnant or have other pregnancy problems.
• Nutritional deficiencies as a child.

Diagnosis of mental retardation

To diagnose mental retardation, the doctor will examine the signs and medical history of your child and your family. This is generally done in three stages, namely interviewing you, observing your child, and various screening tests.

The following are some of the common tests performed to diagnose mental retardation:

1.Standard intelligence (IQ) test

Standard intelligence tests (IQ tests), such as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test, can help doctors see a child's IQ. This is the main tool that can measure a person's intellectual function, including the mental ability to learn, reason, solve problems, and so on.

Generally, children who have an IQ score below 70 are classified as mentally retarded. The exact amount of value can determine the severity of mental disability experienced by a person. Reporting from the Emory University School of Medicine, here is a picture of IQ in people with mental retardation:

• Mild mental retardation: IQ scores (50-55) up to 70.
• Moderate mental retardation: IQ scores (35-40) to (50-55).
• Severe mental retardation: IQ scores (20-25) to (35-40).
• Mental retardation is very severe: IQ score below (20-25).

2. Adaptive behavior test

This test can help doctors assess everyday skills compared to children their age. There are three things that are assessed on this test, namely:

• Conceptual skills, covering language and literacy, time, the concept of numbers.
• Social skills, including interpersonal, social responsibility, self-esteem, problem solving, and the ability to follow rules.
• Practical skills in daily activities, such as personal care and health, job skills, routines, travel / use of transportation, and so on.

3. Supporting physical tests and examinations

In addition to specific tests on measures of intellectual and adaptive attitudes, various supporting tests may also be performed. This usually includes laboratory tests (blood tests and urine tests), imaging tests, to electroencephalography (EEG) tests.

These tests can help doctors detect various medical problems that may be associated with mental retardation, such as metabolic and genetic disorders, problems with brain structures, hearing loss, learning disorders, emotional problems, including seizures.

This test is also needed to rule out other medical conditions before diagnosing a child with mental retardation.

Medication & mental retardation treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Mental retardation is a lifelong condition. However, early and sustainable care can help improve children's ability to carry out daily activities, including learning, social skills, and life skills.

The treatment provided can include behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and medication. The type of treatment provided is of course adjusted to the physical and mental problems experienced by each patient.

It should also be understood, family support also plays a very important role in undergoing this treatment. You will get a family service plan that describes your child's needs. Consult the treatment plan with the doctor who treats your child.

Home remedies for mental rehabilitation

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you or your child deal with mental retardation:

• Learn as much as you can about mental retardation, the more you know, the more you can help your child.
• Encourage your child's independence, let your child try new things and encourage him to do things on his own. Give hints when needed and positive words when your child is doing something well.
• Involve the child in group activities, such as taking art or scouting classes, which can help the child develop social skills.
• Get involved, such as communicating with your child's teacher so that they can follow the child's development and apply what children learn at school with home exercises.
• Get to know other parents of mentally retarded children. The reason is, they can be a good source of advice and emotional support.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.