Significance of Mental Retardation
Mental retardation is a developmental disability defined by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, as evidenced by a low IQ score. It can result from various factors like adverse pregnancy circumstances or chromosomal abnormalities. This condition is characterized by cognitive impairment and often coexists with other disorders. Although previously used to describe such deficits, the term is considered outdated. Timely intervention is crucial in preventing irreversible effects associated with mental retardation, underscoring its serious nature.
Synonyms: Intellectual disability, Cognitive impairment, Developmental delay, Learning disability, Mental disability, Cognitive disability, Intellectual impairment, Learning difficulty, Developmental disorder
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Mental Retardation in scientific sources
Mental Retardation encompasses delayed mental development due to adverse prenatal factors, diminished cognitive abilities often addressed through Ayurvedic treatments, and a lifelong disability marked by below-average intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior impairments during development.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a co-morbid diagnosis that was an exclusion criterion in the study.[1] (2) This is one of the potential issues that can be helped with early treatment, and timely treatment before four weeks of age helps to prevent irreversible mental retardation, physical disability, and death in most cases.[2] (3) Mental retardation is a condition that is caused by iodine deficiency, of which the 11 millions have cretinism.[3] (4) This is a condition that is excluded from the definition of learning disability, as stated in the text.[4]