[Autoaggressive behavior of the mentally retarded--results of a survey]

An initial mail survey in Sweden has shown that, roughly, at least 4 percent of all mentally retarded persons display self-abusive behaviour. Those concerned usually are severely or profoundly mentally retarded, and the autoaggressive behaviour occurs very frequently, in most instances daily. Almost three quarters of self-abusing retarded persons live in institutional settings, such as special hospitals or residential homes for the mentally retarded. The age distribution found in the self-abusing population deviates substantially from the expected distribution. Life expectancy seems reduced. Gender-specific differences have not been found. A social-psychological care approach (empathy, improved life conditions, meaningful activities, systematic behavioural modification) may have an alleviating, or even remedial, influence.