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Epidemiology of severe mental retardation in children: community studies

H K Abramowicz, S A Richardson

    American Journal of Mental Deficiency
    |July 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe mental retardation affects approximately 4 in 1000 children, with males more commonly affected. Many cases have associated handicaps, and causes often remain unknown, though Down

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Genetics
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Severe mental retardation (IQ < 50) impacts a significant portion of the pediatric population.
    • Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of severe mental retardation is crucial for public health planning.
    • Associated handicaps are common in individuals with severe mental retardation, complicating care and support.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review community studies on the prevalence of severe mental retardation.
    • To identify demographic factors associated with severe mental retardation.
    • To explore the known causes and associated conditions of severe mental retardation.

    Main Methods:

    • Systematic review of 27 community-based studies.
    • Analysis of prevalence rates across different age groups and demographics.
    • Categorization of identified causes and associated handicaps.

    Main Results:

    • Prevalence of severe mental retardation is approximately 4 per 1000 in older children.
    • A higher prevalence was observed in males, with no significant variation by social class.
    • Approximately 50% of severely retarded children presented with significant associated handicaps.

    Conclusions:

    • The etiology of most severe mental retardation cases remains unidentified.
    • Down's syndrome is a leading known cause, accounting for 1/6 to 1/3 of cases.
    • Other genetic, metabolic, and infectious factors contribute to a smaller percentage of cases.

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