Mental retardation athetosis microphthalmia

Overview

A mental condition that is characterised by a significantly low IQ.

Symptoms

* Mental disturbance * Behavioural difficulties

Causes

* Klinefelter syndrome * Niemann-Pick disease * Schizencephaly

Diagnosis

The prognosis for people who are mentally retarded is related more to timing and aggressive treatment, personal motivation, training opportunities, and associated conditions than to the degree of mental retardation itself. With good support systems, many people who are mentally retarded become productive members of society. Successful management leads to independent functioning and occupational skills for some and a sheltered environment for others.

Treatment

Effective management requires an interdisciplinary team approach, which continues to assist the patient and his family on primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. A primary goal is to develop the patient’s strengths. Another major goal is the development of social adaptive skills. Children who are mentally retarded require special education and training, ideally beginning in infancy. An individualized, effective education program can optimize the quality of life for even the profoundly retarded.