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A clinical study of infants presenting to a mental retardation clinic
S R Girimaji1, S Srinath, S P Seshadri
1Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bangalore.
Insights
Early detection of developmental delay in infants is crucial. This study found that infants with developmental delay often have associated medical issues and identifiable causes, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Neurology
Background:
- Early detection and management are vital for preventing and treating mental retardation.
- Understanding the characteristics of developmentally delayed infants and their families is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the characteristics of infants with developmental delay and their families attending a Mental Retardation Clinic.
- To identify factors influencing treatment seeking and the association between developmental delay and other health issues.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of case records of 101 infants registered at the Mental Retardation Clinic of NIMHANS, Bangalore.
- Data collection focused on socio-demographic, personal, and clinical variables, including co-existing complaints and physical examination findings.
Main Results:
- Majority of subjects were males, first or second born, aged 7 months or older, from lower or middle-class families with consanguinity.
- 60% had additional complaints; half had medical problems and abnormalities on physical examination.
- Aetiology was identified in 77.1%, with common associated conditions including cerebral palsy, seizures, and sensory impairments. High dropout rate (43%) observed after initial work-up.
Conclusions:
- Socio-demographic, personal, and clinical variables significantly influence treatment-seeking behavior for developmental delay.
- Developmental delay identified in infancy is frequently linked to specific aetiologic factors and substantial medical or neurological problems, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive care.
Abstract:
Early detection has a central role in the prevention and management of mental retardation. The purpose of this present study is to delinerate the characteristics of developmentally delayed infants and their families attending Mental Retardation Clinic. The sample consisted of 101 infants who were registered in Mental Retardation Clinic of NIMHANS, Bangalore in 1988 constituting 12.5% of total registrations. Data was collected from case records. Majority of subjects were males, first or second born, 7 months or older, from a consanguineous lower or middle class family. Along with developmental delay, 60% had other complaints. Medical problems were reported in about half of the subjects and most had abnormalities on physical examination. Aetiology was discernible in 77.1%. Majority had associated physical disorder such as cerebral palsy, seizures and hearing and/or visual impairment. Around 17% came for follow-up thrice or more, 43% dropped out after work-up. The main conclusions are that; (i) certain socio-demographic, personal and clinical variables influence treatment seeking, and (ii) developmental delay recognised in infancy tends to be associated with clear aetiologic factors and significant medical/neurologic problems.